Tracing Glyphosate in the Food Supply
Glyphosate is the active ingredient in Roundup, a widely used herbicide. While most often associated with genetically modified crops, it is also used as a pre-harvest desiccant on non-GMO crops like oats to dry them out and speed up the harvest. This practice is the primary reason for residual glyphosate found in oat-based products. Consumer interest in the safety of these residues has grown, with organizations like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) conducting their own tests and raising public awareness.
EWG's Findings on Quaker Oats
In 2018, EWG published multiple reports detailing their lab tests on oat-based breakfast foods, including many Quaker brand products. The results were concerning, with some conventional Quaker products containing glyphosate residues well above EWG's health benchmark of 160 parts per billion (ppb), a standard EWG believes is more protective of children's health. For example, one test found nearly 3,000 ppb in a sample of Quaker Oatmeal Squares. Following public advocacy and pressure, EWG's subsequent tests indicated a notable drop in glyphosate levels in oat-based products. A 2023 report showed the average amounts were much lower than in earlier tests, though residues were still found in conventional samples.
Quaker's Official Response and Cleaning Process
Quaker's parent company, PepsiCo, has issued a statement clarifying their position. They explicitly state that Quaker does not use glyphosate in its production but acknowledge that it is used by some oat growers in the industry. According to the company, upon receiving oats, they perform a 'rigorous cleaning' process that includes de-hulling, roasting, and flaking. They claim that any minimal levels of glyphosate that may remain are significantly below regulatory limits and well within safety standards set by agencies like the FDA and EPA.
The Regulatory Debate: EWG vs. EPA Standards
Part of the confusion for consumers stems from the differing benchmarks used by regulatory bodies and advocacy groups. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets a Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) for glyphosate in grains at 30 parts per million (ppm), which is thousands of times higher than EWG's health benchmark of 160 ppb. While Quaker's products consistently meet the EPA's legal limits, EWG argues that these levels do not adequately protect sensitive populations, such as children, from long-term exposure. This disparity is central to the ongoing public debate and lawsuits over product labeling, as seen in the 2016 case against Quaker's '100% Natural' claims.
Comparison of Oat Products and Glyphosate Exposure
To better understand your options, here is a comparison of conventional and organic oat products regarding glyphosate exposure.
| Feature | Conventional Oats | Organic Oats |
|---|---|---|
| Glyphosate Use | Herbicide potentially used pre-harvest as a drying agent. | Synthetic herbicides, including glyphosate, are prohibited in the growing process. |
| Residue Levels | Trace amounts frequently detected in independent tests, though levels have decreased in recent years. | Residues are very low to non-detectable, but trace amounts are possible due to cross-contamination from nearby farms. |
| Regulatory Compliance | Legally compliant with EPA limits, but may exceed stricter health benchmarks from advocacy groups like EWG. | Complies with USDA organic standards, which prohibits intentional glyphosate application. |
| Cost | Generally less expensive than organic alternatives. | Typically higher in price due to different farming methods. |
| Availability | Widely available in all stores. | Available at most major supermarkets, natural food stores, and online. |
How to Minimize Your Glyphosate Exposure
If you are concerned about glyphosate residues in your oatmeal, here are some actionable steps you can take:
- Choose Certified Organic Oats: The most effective way to avoid glyphosate is to select products with the USDA Organic seal, which ensures the oats were not intentionally sprayed with the chemical.
- Look for 'Glyphosate Residue Free' Certifications: For maximum assurance, opt for brands with a third-party certification, such as the one from The Detox Project. This confirms the final product has been tested for and contains no detectable residue.
- Opt for Specific Brands: Some brands have been tested and shown to have low or no detectable glyphosate, as mentioned in EWG reports. Do some research to find these options.
- Stay Informed: Follow reports from advocacy groups like EWG that conduct regular testing of popular oat products.
Conclusion
While it is true that non-organic Quaker oatmeal products have contained detectable levels of glyphosate, the levels reported by independent testing have decreased over recent years. Quaker maintains that it does not apply glyphosate and that any residual levels found after processing are below federal safety standards. However, the debate continues over whether these legal limits are truly protective for long-term consumption. For consumers looking to avoid glyphosate, opting for certified organic or "Glyphosate Residue Free" oats offers the most assurance. Ultimately, understanding the different standards and sourcing methods allows you to make an informed decision for your health and diet. For further information, the Environmental Working Group provides comprehensive reports on their testing methodologies and results, including details on Quaker products and other cereals.
