The Controversy of Glyphosate in Oatmeal
Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide and the active ingredient in many weedkillers, including Roundup. While it is primarily used to control weeds, it is also controversially sprayed on certain crops, including conventional oats, as a desiccant just before harvest. This practice helps to dry out the crops, leading to a faster and more uniform harvest. However, it also leaves behind glyphosate residues on the finished oat products.
Public health advocates like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) have conducted independent tests that detected glyphosate in many popular conventional oat products, often at levels they consider a risk to children's health. While regulatory bodies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have set legal tolerance levels, these are often higher than what consumer advocacy groups deem safe for daily consumption. This disparity in safety standards has fueled consumer demand for products verified to be free of these chemical residues.
Decoding Labels: Certifications That Matter
Navigating the grocery store aisles can be confusing when trying to avoid glyphosate. It's crucial to understand the different labels and what they signify.
Organic Certification
A product with the USDA Organic seal means it was grown and processed according to federal guidelines that prohibit the use of most synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, including glyphosate. This is an excellent starting point, but it's not foolproof. Some organic products can still contain very low levels of glyphosate due to environmental factors like pesticide drift from neighboring conventional farms. In such cases, the levels are generally significantly lower than in conventional products.
Certified Glyphosate Residue Free
For consumers seeking a higher level of assurance, a third-party certification like 'Glyphosate Residue Free' by The Detox Project is the gold standard. To earn this label, a product must be tested and confirmed to have undetectable levels of glyphosate, going beyond what organic certification mandates. Brands that carry this label are committed to a zero-tolerance policy for glyphosate contamination.
Purity Protocol for Oats
Some oat producers use a Purity Protocol, a comprehensive food safety system that ensures oats are grown, milled, and packaged in a dedicated, glyphosate-free environment. This protocol is often used by brands that also offer gluten-free oats, as it prevents cross-contamination from other grains. It involves a total ban on glyphosate use at every stage, from planting to harvest.
Brands That Do Not Use Glyphosate
Fortunately, a growing number of brands prioritize clean, pesticide-free oats. Many of these rely on independent, third-party testing to verify their claims. Here are some of the top brands to consider when looking for oatmeal that does not contain glyphosate:
- One Degree Organic Foods: Offers sprouted oats that are certified USDA Organic, certified gluten-free, and certified glyphosate-free by The Detox Project. They trace their products back to the farm.
- Back Roads Granola: A certified glyphosate residue-free, organic, and gluten-free oat product company. They were one of the first to achieve this certification and maintain a strong commitment to clean ingredients.
- Wildway: Provides organic, glyphosate-free, and Regenerative Organic Certified oats. They use sustainable farming methods and offer traceability to the family farm.
- Nature's Path: Many of their organic products, including oats, were found to be free of detectable glyphosate residues in third-party testing.
- Bob's Red Mill (Organic): The organic varieties of Bob's Red Mill oats are a reliable choice. The company takes steps to ensure purity, although cross-contamination can occasionally occur. Their organic oats were found to have very low or undetectable levels in past tests.
- Purely Elizabeth: Their products, including superfood oatmeal, use organic ingredients and are often tested for purity. The brand has been a strong supporter of advocacy to limit glyphosate residues.
- Simple Truth Organic: A store brand often found at Kroger-owned stores, many of its organic products, including instant oatmeal, were found to have no detectable glyphosate in tests.
- Schullo Oats: Sources all of its oats from Finland, a country where the pre-harvest treatment of cereals with glyphosate is banned. This makes their products an excellent choice for a glyphosate-free diet.
- Seven Sundays: A B Corp offering Certified Glyphosate Residue Free protein oats and muesli mixes.
- MUSH Foods: Offers ready-to-go overnight oats that are certified glyphosate residue free by The Detox Project, although not all products are organic.
Comparison Table: Brands at a Glance
| Brand | Organic Certification | Glyphosate Residue Free Certified (Detox Project) | Purity Protocol | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One Degree Organics | Yes | Yes | Yes (Sprouted) | Offers sprouted oats and farm traceability. |
| Back Roads Granola | Yes | Yes | No | First company to be certified. |
| Wildway | Yes (Regenerative) | Yes | No | Focuses on regenerative agriculture. |
| Bob's Red Mill | Yes (Organic varieties) | No | Yes (Gluten-Free varieties) | Organic options have low risk, Gluten-Free options use Purity Protocol. |
| Nature's Path | Yes | Sometimes | No | Organic products generally test clean. |
| Purely Elizabeth | Yes | No (Often Tested) | No | Focuses on organic and superfood ingredients. |
| Simple Truth Organic | Yes | No (Often Tested) | No | Store brand option for organic and low risk. |
| Schullo Oats | Yes | Yes | No | Sourced from Finland where pre-harvest glyphosate is banned. |
| Seven Sundays | Yes (in protein oats) | Yes | No | B Corp certified, high standards. |
| MUSH Foods | No | Yes | No | Pre-made overnight oats for convenience. |
Note: 'No' in this table for Glyphosate Residue Free certification means the brand does not publicly list this specific certification from The Detox Project, not that their products necessarily contain glyphosate.
How to Choose Your Glyphosate-Free Oatmeal
Choosing the right brand depends on your personal priorities and budget. Here is a simple guide to help you decide:
- For the highest level of assurance: Look for brands that are explicitly certified 'Glyphosate Residue Free' by The Detox Project, such as One Degree Organics, Back Roads Granola, Wildway, MUSH Foods, and Seven Sundays.
- For a reliable organic option: Brands like Nature's Path Organic and Bob's Red Mill Organic are solid choices, as they have consistently shown low or undetectable levels of glyphosate in past testing. Buying organic is a great way to minimize pesticide exposure.
- For geographical assurance: If you prioritize products from regions with stricter regulations, look for brands like Schullo Oats, which sources from Finland where pre-harvest glyphosate is prohibited.
- For cost-effectiveness: Consider store-brand organic options like Simple Truth Organic, which can provide a low-risk choice at a more accessible price point.
- For specialty diets: If you also require gluten-free options, look for brands that specify both organic and purity protocols, as some organic oats might be processed in facilities that handle gluten-containing grains.
By staying informed and prioritizing third-party certifications, you can confidently select oatmeal that aligns with your dietary and health goals.
Conclusion
With increased consumer awareness, more brands are stepping up to offer truly clean oatmeal options free of glyphosate. The key to making an informed choice is understanding that while the USDA Organic label is a strong indicator of low pesticide use, third-party certifications like The Detox Project's 'Glyphosate Residue Free' provide the highest level of testing and assurance. Brands like One Degree Organics, Back Roads Granola, and Wildway offer comprehensive purity protocols, while others like Schullo Oats provide geographical assurance. By supporting these brands, consumers not only protect their health but also encourage more sustainable and responsible farming practices across the food industry.
For more information on chemical testing and pesticide levels in food, visit the Environmental Working Group website.
