The Short Answer: Yes, One Degree Oats are Glyphosate Free
For those seeking a definitive answer, One Degree Organic Foods unequivocally states that its oats and other products are glyphosate-free. The company has made a public and ongoing commitment to ensuring its products are clean, and they back up this claim with comprehensive testing and transparency initiatives. While all certified organic products are legally prohibited from using synthetic pesticides like glyphosate during production, One Degree goes a significant step further to ensure the integrity of its supply chain.
Beyond Organic: Why Extra Testing is Necessary
Organic certification is a great starting point, as it bans the direct use of glyphosate on crops. However, the widespread use of the herbicide in conventional agriculture presents a challenge. Glyphosate can drift from neighboring fields via wind or contaminate water sources, potentially affecting organic crops. One Degree's third-party testing protocol was created specifically to address this issue, providing an additional layer of security and assurance for consumers.
The One-Degree Commitment to Clean Oats
One Degree Organic Foods has built its brand on transparency and a commitment to sourcing the highest-quality ingredients. Their process involves several key components that work together to guarantee a glyphosate-free product from farm to table.
Rigorous Sourcing and Farmer Relationships
The company works directly with certified organic family farmers who share their values. A member of the One Degree team personally visits every farm to verify that the farming practices align with their strict standards. This hands-on approach builds trust and ensures the integrity of their sourcing from the very beginning of the supply chain.
The BioChecked Non-Glyphosate Certification
This is a critical part of One Degree's process. The BioChecked Non-Glyphosate Certified seal is displayed on their packaging and signifies that the product has been tested by a third-party laboratory and verified to be free of glyphosate residues. This is not a one-time test; One Degree has a random sample from a specific oat farmer tested every month to maintain this certification.
Total Food Traceability
Adding to their commitment to transparency, every One Degree product features a QR code on its packaging. By scanning this code, consumers can trace the oats back to the specific farmer who grew them, view photos of the farm, and learn more about their farming practices. This level of traceability is rare in the food industry and offers unparalleled consumer confidence.
The Importance of Choosing Glyphosate-Free Oats
Glyphosate is the active ingredient in many herbicides, including Roundup, and its use is widespread in conventional farming, particularly as a desiccant to dry crops like oats before harvest. The World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified glyphosate as a 'probable carcinogen,' though regulatory agencies like the EPA maintain differing stances. For many people, regardless of the debate, the best course of action is to avoid potential exposure by choosing products certified as glyphosate-free.
Comparison: One Degree vs. Conventional Oats
| Feature | One Degree Oats | Conventional Oats |
|---|---|---|
| Organic Status | USDA Certified Organic | Often non-organic |
| Glyphosate Testing | Third-party tested by BioChecked | No specific testing required; contamination is common |
| Pesticide Use | Prohibited in production | Glyphosate frequently used as a desiccant |
| Certifications | BioChecked Non-Glyphosate, USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project | Few, if any, beyond basic food safety |
| Traceability | QR code links to farmer | Little to no traceability |
How to Verify for Yourself
To ensure your oats are truly clean, follow these steps:
- Look for Certifications: Check the packaging for clear certifications like the BioChecked Non-Glyphosate seal and the USDA Organic label.
- Scan the QR Code: Take advantage of One Degree's transparency by scanning the QR code to trace your oats back to the source.
- Research the Brand's Policy: Confirm that the brand has a clear policy on testing for pesticide residues. For more information on One Degree's commitment, visit their official site: Transparency: How We Ensure Quality and Safety of Our Oats.
- Stay Informed: Follow updates from consumer watchdog groups like the EWG regarding pesticide testing in food products.
Conclusion
In conclusion, for those concerned about glyphosate exposure, One Degree Organic Foods offers a reliable solution. The company's commitment goes far beyond standard organic certification by including frequent, third-party testing to prevent cross-contamination from pesticide drift. Coupled with their unique farm-to-table traceability, One Degree provides peace of mind that their oats are genuinely glyphosate-free. This robust verification process is a testament to their dedication to providing clean, transparent, and trustworthy food products to their customers.
