Independent Test Results for Schär and Glyphosate
For consumers concerned about pesticide residues, independent lab testing offers valuable insight. In a 2024 study compiled by Mamavation from Health Research Institute Laboratories, several gluten-free products were tested for glyphosate and other pesticide residues. The results confirmed the presence of detectable levels of glyphosate and its breakdown product, AMPA, in some Schär bread products. Specifically, the test found:
- Schär Artisan Baker White Bread: 1.46 parts per billion (ppb) of glyphosate and AMPA.
- Schär Plain New York Style Pre-Sliced Bagels: 1.34 ppb of glyphosate and AMPA.
These levels are significantly lower than the EU's threshold for acceptable glyphosate residues, which is 10 ppb, and far below the highest concentrations found in other non-organic products tested in the same study, such as certain chickpea pastas. However, the presence of any amount of the herbicide is a point of concern for some consumers, especially those with sensitivities or who rely on gluten-free products for health management.
Schär’s Official Stance on Pesticides and Quality Control
Schär is transparent about its quality control processes, particularly regarding raw materials. Their official FAQ addresses the question of pesticide residues, including glyphosate, directly. The company states that all raw ingredients are subject to a "strict control procedure in order to reduce pesticides, including glyphosate, to a minimum". They emphasize the following practices:
- Careful Selection: Schär carefully selects its raw ingredients to ensure they meet high-quality standards.
- Testing Plans: The company has established testing plans for all raw materials and finished products to monitor for contaminants.
- Contract Farmers: Schär works in cooperation with its contract farmers to maintain the integrity of its ingredients.
- In-House Laboratory: All raw materials must pass strict controls in their in-house quality laboratory before being used in production.
These measures indicate a proactive effort to control and minimize contaminants, although the third-party test results show that zero-level detection is not always achieved. For more information on their raw materials policy, you can visit the official Schär website. https://www.schaer.com/en-int/faqs/faq-schaer-raw-materials.
Why Glyphosate Appears in Gluten-Free Foods
Glyphosate's presence in food is a widespread issue, affecting both conventional and, to a lesser extent, organic agriculture. There are two primary reasons it can appear in ingredients commonly used in gluten-free foods:
- Desiccant Use: Glyphosate is sometimes used as a desiccant, or drying agent, on non-organic crops like oats, rice, and chickpeas just before harvest. This speeds up the drying process and allows for an earlier, more uniform harvest.
- Drift Contamination: Even in organic or non-GMO farming, crops can be exposed to glyphosate through spray drift from neighboring conventional fields. This makes achieving a zero-residue result extremely challenging for any food producer, regardless of their ingredient sourcing.
Other Sources of Contamination
Beyond direct application and drift, several other factors contribute to potential contamination. As one expert noted, farmers never use active ingredients alone, and co-formulants in herbicide products can also contribute to toxicity concerns. Furthermore, testing can reveal other pesticides in gluten-free products, such as 2,4-D, which has its own history of controversy.
Comparison of Glyphosate Levels in Bread Products
To put the Schär results into perspective, here is a comparison of glyphosate levels from the 2024 Mamavation study, measured in parts per billion (ppb):
| Bread/Bagel Product | Product Type | Glyphosate/AMPA (ppb) |
|---|---|---|
| Schär Artisan Baker White Bread | Gluten-Free | 1.46 |
| Schär Plain N.Y. Style Bagels | Gluten-Free | 1.34 |
| Udi's Soft White Sandwich Bread | Gluten-Free | 1.29 |
| Canyon House Bakery Plain Bagels | Gluten-Free | 7.30 |
| Trader Joe's White Sandwich Bread | Gluten-Free | 3.72 |
| Edward & Sons Rice Crackers | Gluten-Free | Not Detectable (ND) |
| Pacha Organic Buckwheat Buns | Gluten-Free (Organic) | 4.56 |
This table highlights the variability of glyphosate residue across different brands and even within the gluten-free category. It also shows that being organic does not guarantee zero glyphosate due to potential drift contamination, as seen with the Pacha buns in this particular study.
How to Minimize Your Exposure
For consumers seeking to minimize their exposure to glyphosate, a multi-faceted approach is most effective:
- Choose Certified Organic: While not a foolproof guarantee against drift, certified organic products are prohibited from using glyphosate as a pesticide or desiccant.
- Look for Glyphosate-Free Certification: Certifications from independent third-party organizations like The Detox Project can provide additional assurance that products have been tested and verified to be free of glyphosate residues above a certain threshold.
- Diversify Your Diet: Relying on a wide variety of grains and food sources can help mitigate exposure risks from any single contaminated crop.
- Consider Making Your Own Bread: For maximum control over ingredients, baking your own bread with certified organic or glyphosate-free flours is the safest option.
Conclusion
In summary, the question of "Does Schär bread have glyphosate?" has a nuanced answer. Independent lab tests have confirmed that trace amounts of glyphosate can be found in some of Schär's products. However, the levels detected are low and fall well within European safety standards. Schär itself implements strict quality controls to minimize pesticide residues in its raw materials.
For consumers, this information underscores the importance of staying informed and proactive. While Schär demonstrates a commitment to quality, achieving zero glyphosate residue in a complex food supply chain is difficult. Choosing certified organic options and seeking out third-party certifications are the most effective strategies for minimizing exposure, alongside an awareness of wider food testing results. The presence of low-level contamination in even carefully controlled products suggests a broader agricultural issue that extends beyond any single brand.
