Understanding Glyphosate and Food Contamination
Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide, most famously the active ingredient in Roundup, and is applied to conventional crops for weed control. Concerns about its health effects have led many consumers to seek out foods with minimal or no pesticide residue. Glyphosate can end up in food through two primary pathways: direct application to genetically modified crops engineered to resist it, or as a desiccant (drying agent) on non-GMO crops like oats, wheat, and pulses just before harvest. For health-conscious consumers, including those following a gluten-free or grain-free diet, the presence of any amount of this chemical is a significant concern.
Past Testing Finds Glyphosate in Simple Mills Products
Several independent tests have confirmed the presence of glyphosate in specific conventional Simple Mills products. These tests, conducted by consumer advocacy groups, revealed quantifiable amounts, albeit in parts per billion (ppb) measurements. For example, a 2024 report by Mamavation detailing tests of various gluten-free foods showed glyphosate and its metabolite AMPA in several Simple Mills items.
Notable Test Results (Mamavation, 2024):
- Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers (Gluten-Free): Tested at 49.28 ppb glyphosate and AMPA.
- Simple Mills Brownie Mix (Gluten-Free): Detected at 10.18 ppb glyphosate and AMPA.
In 2021, GMO Free USA also tested Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers and detected glyphosate residue. They noted that while some ingredients are organic, others like conventional sunflower seed and flax flours are likely sources of contamination. The presence of glyphosate, even at low levels, contrasts with the brand's health-focused marketing, leading to consumer disillusionment.
Why Are Some Simple Mills Products Contaminated?
The key to understanding the glyphosate issue lies in the distinction between organic and conventional ingredients. While Simple Mills is committed to using real, simple ingredients, not all of them are certified organic. Glyphosate use is prohibited in organic farming. Therefore, products that include conventional (non-organic) ingredients, particularly crops often treated with glyphosate like sunflower seeds and flax, are at risk of containing residues. Conventional almonds have also been linked to glyphosate use. For consumers seeking to completely avoid glyphosate, opting for organic-certified products is the most direct strategy. Simple Mills has a dedicated organic line, and understanding which products fall into which category is critical for making informed choices.
Simple Mills: Conventional vs. Organic Ingredient Sourcing
To better illustrate the difference, here is a comparison table focusing on sourcing practices and potential glyphosate risk within the Simple Mills product line:
| Feature | Conventional Simple Mills Products | Organic Simple Mills Products |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | A mix of organic and conventional ingredients, including some crops vulnerable to glyphosate (e.g., conventional sunflower or flax). | Made with at least 95% USDA Organic certified ingredients, prohibiting the use of synthetic herbicides like glyphosate. |
| Glyphosate Risk | Higher risk of containing low levels of glyphosate residue, confirmed by independent lab tests. | Significantly lower risk, with any potential trace amounts likely due to environmental drift from nearby conventional farms, not direct application. |
| Pesticide Use | Conventional ingredients are likely grown with synthetic pesticides and herbicides. | No synthetic pesticides or herbicides are used in the growing of organic-certified crops. |
| Certification | Often marked 'Non-GMO Project Verified' and 'Certified Gluten-Free', but does not carry the USDA Organic seal. | Bears the USDA Organic seal, signaling adherence to strict organic farming standards. |
How Consumers Can Minimize Glyphosate Exposure
For consumers concerned about glyphosate, several practical steps can be taken:
- Choose Certified Organic Products: When shopping for Simple Mills or any other brand, prioritize products explicitly labeled with the USDA Organic seal. This is the most effective way to avoid ingredients treated with glyphosate.
- Read Ingredient Lists Carefully: Check the ingredient list. If conventional versions of crops known for glyphosate treatment (like sunflower or flax) are listed, the risk of residue is higher. Simple Mills' organic line will specify 'organic' before these ingredients.
- Diversify Your Pantry: Expand your selection of brands to include others that commit to third-party glyphosate testing and public transparency, similar to how Banza improved its sourcing after test results.
- Seek Out 'Glyphosate Residue Free' Certification: Some third-party organizations offer a 'Glyphosate Residue Free' certification, which provides an extra layer of assurance. While Simple Mills products may not carry this, it's a useful label to look for on other brands.
What Simple Mills Says About Their Ingredients
In response to consumer demand for greater transparency, Simple Mills provides information about their sourcing and commitment to quality. On their website, they emphasize using simple, real-food ingredients and handpicking their suppliers. They also highlight the benefits of their organic line, noting that certified organic ingredients have lower detectable levels of pesticide residue. However, their reliance on some conventional ingredients in their product portfolio means that the glyphosate risk is not eliminated across the board. This highlights the need for consumer vigilance, especially for those with celiac disease or other sensitivities who are more vulnerable.
Conclusion
While it is inaccurate to claim all Simple Mills products are 'high in glyphosate,' independent tests have demonstrated that some of their conventional offerings contain detectable levels of the herbicide. The brand's use of a mix of conventional and organic ingredients is the primary reason for this discrepancy. For consumers concerned about glyphosate exposure, the best course of action is to choose Simple Mills' certified organic products or other brands that provide clear certification of glyphosate-free status. By understanding the link between farming practices and potential residues, shoppers can make more informed decisions that align with their personal health goals. Ultimately, relying on third-party verification and scrutinizing ingredient lists are crucial steps toward ensuring a cleaner diet.
Note: This analysis relies on publicly available test data and information about farming practices. Product formulations and sourcing can change over time. It is always recommended to check the latest certifications and product details from the manufacturer.
