A History of Pesticide Concerns: From Glyphosate to Chlormequat
For many years, the primary concern regarding pesticides in Quaker oats revolved around glyphosate, the active ingredient in the weed killer Roundup. In 2018, tests conducted by the EWG found high levels of glyphosate residues in several Quaker products. This led to consumer backlash and lawsuits challenging Quaker's use of '100% Natural' labeling.
In the years following these reports, there was a shift in the landscape. According to 2023 EWG tests, glyphosate levels in some oat-based products, including certain Quaker items, had significantly dropped. This decline was attributed to increased awareness and, in some cases, changes in sourcing by brands. Quaker also publicly stated that they do not add glyphosate during milling, but that it could be present from agricultural practices.
However, new tests in 2023 and 2024 brought a new chemical to the forefront: chlormequat. This pesticide, a plant growth regulator, is not approved for use on edible crops grown in the U.S. but is permitted on imported oats and grains. Tests found chlormequat in a high percentage of conventional oat products, with Quaker products, including Old Fashioned Oats, being among those with detectable levels.
Chlormequat: The Latest Contamination Concern
The presence of chlormequat in Quaker oats stems primarily from imported grains, though the EPA has considered expanding its use to U.S.-grown crops. Studies conducted on animals have raised red flags about the chemical's potential health effects, linking it to reproductive and developmental issues. This has led to advocacy groups like the EWG raising alarms and pushing for stricter regulations, even as regulatory bodies like the EPA maintain that current permitted levels are safe.
Comparison: Conventional vs. Organic Quaker Oats
The most significant difference in pesticide content lies in the growing methods. Federal regulations for organic certification prohibit the use of most synthetic pesticides, including glyphosate and chlormequat. This has a direct impact on the final product, as shown in test results. The table below compares the typical outcome of testing for pesticides in Quaker's conventional vs. organic oat products.
| Feature | Conventional Quaker Oats | Organic Quaker Oats |
|---|---|---|
| Pesticide Residue | Frequent detection of chlormequat and occasional detection of glyphosate. | Significantly lower or non-detectable levels of pesticides. |
| Sourcing | Oats sourced from various locations, including countries where chlormequat is permitted. | Certified organic oats grown according to strict USDA guidelines. |
| EWG Test Results | Some products have tested over EWG's health benchmarks for both glyphosate and chlormequat. | In EWG tests, only one of seven organic oat samples had low levels of chlormequat. |
| Regulatory Adherence | Meets all current EPA regulatory limits, which are less strict than EWG benchmarks. | Adheres to strict USDA organic standards, which prohibits most synthetic pesticides. |
| Consumer Risk | Higher risk of exposure to chemical residues like chlormequat and glyphosate, even if within legal limits. | Significantly lower risk of exposure to these pesticides. |
Quaker's Stance and Your Choices
Quaker and its parent company, PepsiCo, have consistently stated that their products are safe and meet all government regulatory standards. They have emphasized their cleaning processes but have not fully addressed the use of chemicals like chlormequat on imported oats, as regulations currently permit it. For consumers, this presents a choice between relying on federal regulatory limits or choosing products that meet stricter standards, such as those verified by groups like the EWG or certified as organic.
For those who wish to avoid pesticide exposure, the most effective strategy is to purchase certified organic oat products. Quaker offers an organic line that includes Old Fashioned, Steel Cut, and Quick Cook oats. These products are subject to different agricultural practices and government oversight that prevent the use of synthetic pesticides like chlormequat.
Quaker Products Tested by EWG
In recent years, EWG tests have specifically identified certain Quaker products with detectable levels of pesticides, including:
- Quaker Old Fashioned Oats (both glyphosate and chlormequat found)
- Quaker Oatmeal Squares (multiple flavors)
- Quaker Instant Oatmeal (Maple and Brown Sugar, among others)
- Quaker Honey Nut Oatmeal Squares
These findings highlight the disparity between conventional and organic products and underscore the need for consumers to make informed decisions based on their personal risk tolerance and preferences.
Conclusion: Navigating the Controversy
Yes, conventional Quaker oats still have pesticides like chlormequat, and historically, have contained glyphosate residues. While Quaker maintains its products meet all legal safety standards, which is technically accurate, the detection of these chemicals and the potential health implications raised by animal studies have fueled ongoing consumer concern. The best way for consumers to avoid these chemical residues is to opt for certified organic Quaker oats, which are grown without synthetic pesticides. This issue also highlights the broader debate about the adequacy of current U.S. food safety regulations compared to more stringent health benchmarks proposed by advocacy organizations like the EWG.
