The Problem with Glyphosate in Conventional Flour
Glyphosate, the active ingredient in the herbicide Roundup, is one of the most widely used herbicides globally. While it's used to kill weeds, a common and controversial practice in modern agriculture is its application as a pre-harvest desiccant. This means the chemical is sprayed on crops like wheat and oats shortly before harvest to dry them out, which can hasten harvesting and lead to a higher yield.
Studies have confirmed that this practice leaves detectable glyphosate residues in conventional wheat flour and other grain products. A 2020 study on flour in Lebanon detected glyphosate residues in all flour samples tested, albeit below the maximum residue levels. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has similarly found concerning levels in conventional oat and wheat products.
The Safest Options: Organic and Certified Glyphosate Residue Free Flours
The most dependable way to find a flour that does not contain glyphosate is to choose products with specific certifications. Organic and Glyphosate Residue Free labels serve as the strongest indicators that the flour has been produced without the use of this chemical.
Certified Organic Flour
By definition, USDA Organic standards prohibit the use of glyphosate and other synthetic herbicides. This makes certified organic flour a reliable choice. However, it's important to be aware of the possibility of cross-contamination, which can sometimes occur from neighboring conventional fields or processing equipment. While organic farmers follow strict guidelines, some consumers prefer an extra layer of assurance. Leading brands like Bob's Red Mill Organic, Arrowhead Mills Organic, and Farm2Flour Organic offer strong organic commitments.
Certified Glyphosate Residue Free Flour
For the highest level of certainty, look for flours that have been certified as "Glyphosate Residue Free" by independent third-party organizations, such as The Detox Project. This certification involves rigorous testing of the final product to ensure there are no detectable levels of the herbicide. This testing goes beyond the USDA organic certification, providing consumers with absolute confidence. Prominent brands like Palouse Brand, Jovial Foods (for einkorn), and Grand Teton Ancient Grains offer such certified products.
Alternative Grain Flours with Lower Glyphosate Risk
Beyond wheat, many alternative grain and gluten-free flours are excellent choices, especially when sourced organically. While some crops like oats and legumes are also desiccated with glyphosate, choosing certified options significantly reduces risk.
Naturally Lower-Risk Flours
- Almond Flour: Derived from almonds, this flour is naturally gluten-free and typically low-risk, especially if organic.
- Coconut Flour: Made from dried coconut meat, it is a naturally low-risk choice for glyphosate contamination.
- Buckwheat Flour: While buckwheat can be desiccated with glyphosate, organic versions are a safer bet.
- Brown Rice Flour: Similar to other grains, organic brown rice flour is recommended to avoid potential contamination.
- Sorghum Flour: Organic sorghum flour is a safe and nutritious gluten-free option.
- Teff Flour: This ancient grain is generally considered a low-risk option.
- Einkorn Flour: As a heritage wheat, organic einkorn flour from brands like Grand Teton Ancient Grains is explicitly grown without glyphosate and often tested for purity.
Making an Informed Decision: Certifications and Labeling
Navigating the world of flour can be confusing, but understanding labels is key to making informed choices. Here is a quick guide to help you identify the best options.
What to look for on labels
- USDA Organic Seal: This is the baseline for avoiding synthetic pesticides and herbicides like glyphosate.
- Certified Glyphosate Residue Free: An additional, more specific third-party certification that confirms testing has been performed.
- Non-GMO Project Verified: While a good indicator, this label alone does not guarantee the product is glyphosate-free, as the herbicide is widely used on non-GMO crops as a desiccant.
- Country of Origin: Some regions, like Italy, have different agricultural practices and regulations regarding glyphosate use on crops, though not a guarantee.
Glyphosate-Free Flour Comparison Table
| Feature | Certified Glyphosate-Free Flour | Certified Organic Flour | Conventional Wheat Flour |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glyphosate Use | None, verified by testing | Prohibited by standards | Common as a pre-harvest desiccant |
| Certainty of Purity | Very High (third-party tested) | High (but cross-contamination possible) | Low (residues are common) |
| Cost | Often Higher | Higher | Lower |
| Traceability | Often highly transparent; includes field tracing | Requires brand research; some are transparent | Limited traceability; mass-produced |
| Best For | Health-conscious consumers prioritizing residue-free products. | A reliable option for general avoidance of synthetic pesticides. | Consumers less concerned about pesticide residue. |
Conclusion
While conventional wheat flour is widely available and cheap, it often contains residues of glyphosate due to common agricultural practices. For those seeking assurance, the safest and most reliable flours are those explicitly labeled as Certified Glyphosate Residue Free by independent third-party testers like The Detox Project. Choosing a product with the USDA Organic seal also provides strong protection, though the risk of cross-contamination should be noted. Beyond wheat, a wide array of alternative flours from grains like buckwheat, sorghum, and einkorn, especially when certified organic, offer excellent, low-risk alternatives. By paying attention to certifications and labels, consumers can make informed decisions to find clean, healthy flour options. For more information, the Environmental Working Group's website is a great resource.
