Is Bob's Red Mill Organic Oats Glyphosate Free? A Nutrition Diet Inquiry

October 4, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2018 study by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), detectable levels of glyphosate were found in some products made with organic oats, raising concerns for consumers prioritizing a clean nutrition diet. This has led many to question whether major brands like Bob's Red Mill can guarantee their organic oats are glyphosate free.

Quick Summary

This article examines the presence of glyphosate in Bob's Red Mill organic oats, clarifying the nuances of organic certification versus third-party residue-free verification and detailing potential environmental and processing-related contamination risks.

Key Points

Organic is Not Absolutely Glyphosate-Free: While the USDA Organic label prohibits intentional glyphosate use, trace environmental and processing contamination is still possible.
Bob's Red Mill Organic Farmers Prohibit Glyphosate: The company contracts with organic farmers who ban glyphosate use, both pre- and post-harvest.
Cross-Contamination is a Risk Factor: Environmental drift from nearby conventional farms and shared processing facilities are primary sources for potential trace contamination.
For Guaranteed Residue-Free, Seek Third-Party Certification: Labels like 'Glyphosate Residue Free' from organizations such as The Detox Project require independent lab testing to ensure non-detectable levels.
Independent Tests Found Low Trace Amounts: A 2018 EWG report detected a very low level of glyphosate in one sample of Bob's Red Mill organic oats, well below regulatory limits but not zero.
Organic is the Best Defense for Most Consumers: Opting for certified organic products like Bob's Red Mill's is the most practical and effective way to significantly reduce glyphosate exposure in your diet.
Oats Remain a Healthy Choice: Even with potential for trace contamination, the nutritional benefits of oats make them a valuable part of a healthy diet.

Understanding the Organic Label and Glyphosate

At its core, the USDA organic certification means that a product is produced without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, such as glyphosate. Bob's Red Mill states that its organic farmers are 100% committed to following the rules of the National Organic Program (NOP), which prohibits the use of glyphosate in cultivation. However, this certification alone does not guarantee a product is 100% free of glyphosate, due to factors beyond a farmer's control. Concerns arise from potential cross-contamination during production and environmental factors.

The Reality of Contamination Risks

Despite strict organic farming practices, there are several ways for a product to become contaminated with trace amounts of glyphosate.

Herbicide Drift: Chemicals used on neighboring conventional farms can travel on the wind and contaminate organic crops. This is a persistent and difficult-to-control issue for organic growers whose land is near non-organic operations.
Contaminated Water and Soil: Residual glyphosate can persist in soil and water supplies, contaminating organic fields downstream or from a past growing season.
Post-Harvest Handling: Even if oats are grown without glyphosate, they can be cross-contaminated during processing and storage. If equipment, trucks, or storage bins are also used for conventional grains treated with glyphosate, residues can be transferred to organic products.

Bob's Red Mill Position and Third-Party Testing

Bob's Red Mill is transparent about this risk. In official communications, the company has stated that it has agreements in place with suppliers that prohibit the use of glyphosate, both pre- and post-harvest, for both conventional and organic oats. However, they acknowledge the possibility of trace amounts from environmental drift.

To provide absolute confirmation, some brands seek third-party certification specifically for glyphosate residue. For example, The Detox Project's "Glyphosate Residue Free" certification uses an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory to test products to a high standard, with certification ensuring no glyphosate is detected down to the lowest possible level. Some brands have pursued and received this certification, though Bob's Red Mill's organic oats do not currently carry this specific seal.

What Do Third-Party Lab Tests Show?

Independent lab tests have found varying results over the years. A 2018 EWG report, for instance, found a low level (20 ppb) of glyphosate in a sample of Bob's Red Mill Organic Old Fashioned Rolled Oats. It is important to note that these levels were well below the EWG's own health benchmark at the time, and far below the regulatory limits set by the EPA, but still detectable. As Bob's Red Mill and other brands respond to public concern, overall levels have shown signs of dropping, but vigilance is still necessary for consumers.

What This Means for Your Nutrition Diet

For a consumer focused on a healthy nutrition diet, understanding the difference between conventional, organic, and third-party certified 'glyphosate residue free' options is key. Oats are a rich source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals and an excellent addition to any healthy diet. Choosing organic remains the most effective way to minimize pesticide exposure, even with the risk of trace amounts from environmental drift.

Conventional Oats: Can contain significantly higher levels of glyphosate, as the chemical is commonly used as a pre-harvest desiccant to speed up drying.
Organic Oats: Prohibit the use of glyphosate in farming, leading to much lower or non-detectable levels, though trace environmental contamination is possible.
Certified Glyphosate Residue Free Oats: Have been independently tested and verified to be free of glyphosate residues down to a set standard.

Comparison of Oats and Glyphosate Status


Feature	Conventional Oats	Bob's Red Mill Organic Oats	Third-Party Certified Glyphosate Residue Free Oats
Glyphosate Use in Growing	Commonly used as a pre-harvest desiccant	Not used; prohibited by organic standards	Not used; prohibited by organic standards
Processing Contamination	Potential for cross-contamination	Potential risk of trace environmental drift and cross-contamination	Strict protocols in place to prevent cross-contamination
Third-Party Testing	Not typically tested for public release	No 'Glyphosate Residue Free' seal; relies on organic standards	Independently tested and certified by labs like The Detox Project
Likelihood of Residue	High likelihood, often at higher levels	Low likelihood, but possible trace amounts	Lowest likelihood, tested to be non-detectable
Price	Generally lower	Moderate	Often higher due to extra testing costs

Conclusion: Navigating Your Oat Choices

For the discerning consumer concerned about glyphosate exposure as part of their nutrition diet, Bob's Red Mill organic oats are a strong choice, representing a significant reduction in risk compared to conventional options. The company's commitment to organic farming standards means glyphosate is not used in the growing or harvesting process. However, it is not possible for any company to guarantee a complete absence of all environmental contaminants, which can drift from non-organic farms. For individuals seeking the highest level of assurance, looking for products with the independent "Glyphosate Residue Free" certification is the definitive step. Ultimately, for most, choosing certified organic oats is a practical and effective strategy for minimizing exposure to herbicides while enjoying the many health benefits of whole grains.

Optional Outbound Link: The Detox Project provides information on certified glyphosate residue-free products.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the USDA organic seal means the product was grown without synthetic pesticides like glyphosate. However, it does not certify for zero residue, as trace amounts can occur from environmental factors like herbicide drift from neighboring conventional farms.

Yes, independent organizations like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) have tested Bob's Red Mill products. A 2018 report found a very low, but detectable, level of glyphosate in one sample of their organic oats.

Organic certification prohibits the intentional use of synthetic chemicals like glyphosate during farming. "Glyphosate Residue Free" is a third-party certification that verifies a product has been tested and shows no detectable glyphosate down to a specific laboratory limit, providing a higher level of assurance.

Glyphosate can enter organic crops through environmental cross-contamination. This can happen via wind drift from conventionally farmed fields, residual chemicals in water or soil, or shared processing and transportation equipment.

While Bob's Red Mill states they request suppliers not to use glyphosate for both organic and conventional oats, only specific third-party testing can verify residue levels. They rely on their suppliers to meet quality assurance standards.

As of recent reports, several brands are certified glyphosate residue free by The Detox Project, including Back Roads, Seven Sundays, and Avena Foods.

Yes, for consumers concerned about minimizing glyphosate exposure, choosing certified organic oats is highly effective. The levels found in organic products are significantly lower and less frequent than in conventional options, making it a valuable step for a cleaner nutrition diet.