One Degree Organics Confirms Oats are Chlormequat-Free
Following a wave of consumer questions and industry reports about the presence of the pesticide chlormequat in conventional oat products, One Degree Organics publicly addressed the concerns in March 2024. The company, known for its commitment to ingredient transparency, went a step further than simply relying on its organic certification. It sent its oats for independent, third-party laboratory testing to provide definitive proof to its customers.
Not surprisingly to the company, but reassuringly to the consumer base, the test results confirmed that One Degree Organics' oats are indeed chlormequat-free. This result aligns with the fundamental principles of organic farming, which strictly prohibit the use of synthetic growth regulators like chlormequat. The company highlighted that its farmers adhere to certified organic practices, cultivating crops without the use of such chemicals.
The Rise of Chlormequat Concerns in Food
Chlormequat is an agricultural chemical used to alter plant growth, primarily to prevent cereal crops from bending over and making harvesting difficult. While its use is restricted on food crops grown within the United States, regulations have permitted its presence in imported foods, including oats, since 2018. This allowance, along with studies published by groups like the Environmental Working Group (EWG), brought the issue to the forefront of consumer awareness. EWG's findings detected concerning levels of chlormequat in many conventional oat-based products, though organic samples showed a significantly lower detection rate, and in One Degree's case, none at all.
How One Degree Organics Ensures Purity
One Degree Organics details its rigorous process for ensuring product purity, which goes beyond standard organic certification. Their approach emphasizes transparency and verification at every step, from sourcing to testing.
A Multi-Layered Quality Control Process
- Sourcing from Trusted Organic Farmers: One Degree works directly with a network of certified organic farmers who are vetted to ensure adherence to strict farming practices, which excludes the use of synthetic pesticides and growth regulators.
- Ingredient Traceability: The company offers 100% ingredient traceability via a QR code on every package, allowing consumers to learn about the specific farm and producer of the product they purchased.
- Third-Party Lab Testing: Beyond sourcing, One Degree engages in extensive third-party testing for contaminants, including glyphosate, heavy metals, and, as confirmed in 2024, chlormequat.
- Internal Quality Assurance: The company maintains its own in-house Quality Assurance team to conduct multiple rounds of testing throughout the production process to guarantee product integrity.
A Comparison of Organic vs. Conventional Oat Processing
To better understand the difference, consider the typical production and testing paths for organic vs. conventional oats and their handling of contaminants like chlormequat.
| Feature | Organic Oat Production (e.g., One Degree Organics) | Conventional Oat Production |
|---|---|---|
| Use of Chlormequat | Prohibited by USDA Organic standards. Verified through third-party testing. | Allowed on imported oats by EPA regulations. Detected in a high percentage of conventional products. |
| Purity Focus | Focus on avoiding all synthetic pesticides and growth regulators. Emphasizes traceability and transparency. | Adherence to current regulatory tolerance levels, which allow for residue. |
| Testing Frequency | Frequent third-party and in-house testing for a range of contaminants, including chlormequat. | Less frequent testing for chlormequat specifically, as current EPA standards permit residue. |
| Risk of Contamination | Very low, as reflected by testing results and organic standards. Potential for minimal cross-contamination, which is mitigated by testing. | Higher risk of residue, as studies have shown high detection rates. |
| Consumer Control | High; consumers can trace their product and rely on certifications and transparent testing. | Lower; consumers rely on government-set tolerance levels and brand claims. |
Conclusion: Empowering Consumers with Transparency
The question of whether One-Degree oats have chlormequat was answered decisively by the company's commitment to transparency and third-party testing. While recent studies have brought attention to the presence of chlormequat in conventional products, brands like One Degree Organics demonstrate that opting for certified organic can significantly mitigate exposure risks. For consumers concerned about food purity and the use of agricultural chemicals, the proactive approach and public results from One Degree Organics offer a clear and reassuring answer. By demanding such transparency and choosing organic options, consumers can continue to drive the industry toward safer, cleaner food production.
Authoritative outbound link: Environmental Working Group (EWG) Investigation into Chlormequat. This link provides background on the general issue of chlormequat in oats, which led to consumer concerns addressed by One Degree Organics.
