Oat Cereals & Granola Bar Product Investigation: Glyphosate Pesticide Levels in Popular Foods

Glyphosate is in the news yet again as the Environmental Working Group releases a study on everyday food products like oat cereals and granola bars that contain dangerous levels of the herbicide glyphosate. And with all the bad press on this dangerous chemical, it seems more people are heeding our indelible warnings. We’re seeing all sorts of new developments and media coverage, and the hope is that the momentum of our grassroots, decades-long efforts is finally gaining enough steam to force the change to the system we need, including a ban on this extraordinarily toxic chemical. Mamavation has delivered important information about asbestos found in crayons, the dangers of RoundUp, and toxins in tampons, now join us as we look closely at the real and present danger of high-level glyphosate presence in some of the most popular oat cereals and granola bars.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. 

Our Ubiquitous Exposure to Glyphosate

Glyphosate-based herbicides are used at a rate of 826 million kg a year around the globe. Chemical residues are frequently found in food and water supplies, soil, air, and urine samples. Some concerned moms conducted a study that discovered high levels of glyphosate in 30% of breast milk samples in American women, which is also very concerning. We are hoping another reputable organization repeats that study soon. And scientists at the US Geological Survey recorded herbicide residue in rainfall, so it’s literally raining on our heads.

According to EWG,

Each year, more than 250 million pounds of glyphosate are sprayed on American crops, primarily on “Roundup-ready” corn and soybeans genetically engineered to withstand the herbicide. But when it comes to the food we eat, the highest glyphosate levels are not found in products made with GMO corn.

Increasingly, glyphosate is also sprayed just before harvest on wheat, barley, oats and beans that are not genetically engineered. Glyphosate kills the crop, drying it out so that it can be harvested sooner than if the plant were allowed to die naturally.

To the detriment of our health, glyphosate is ubiquitous and exposure is mostly inescapable. And now we have positive test results showing dangerously high levels of glyphosate residue in oat cereals and granola bars, and once again, our kids are at the forefront of exposure.

Dangers of Glyphosate, The Most Popular Herbicide in the World

Glyphosate is not just an herbicide — it has several deadly uses and boasts a laundry list of serious negative effects on the body. Originally patented as a mineral chelator, glyphosate actually immobilizes nutrients, making them unavailable for your body. It was also patented as a potent antibiotic which means it has the ability to devastate healthy gut bacteria. The World Health Organization classifies glyphosate as a probable human carcinogen, and the concern over bioaccumulation is growing in light of its pervasive nature. Glyphosate is a hormone disruptor and is likely linked to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, breast cancer, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, autism, birth defects, and tumors.

And get this, a smaller dose of glyphosate can be just as toxic as a larger one! A study published in the scientific journal Toxicology showed that mice exposed to glyphosate-based herbicides at levels lower than EPA safety recommendations suffered liver and kidney damage, breast tumors, hormone imbalance and early death. So when it comes to glyphosate the “dose equals the poison” mantra, doesn’t hold up.

Just last week, a court ruled that Monsanto must pay $289 million in damages to a man dying of cancer caused by exposure to the company’s herbicides. In a groundbreaking verdict, the jury observed substantial evidence proving that Monsanto’s Roundup and other glyphosate-based products presented a significant danger to people using them, as well as “clear and convincing evidence” that Monsanto’s officials acted with “malice or oppression” in failing to adequately warn of the risks. That means they likely knew the negative risks of human exposure and acted to purposefully suppress them from the public! Not only that, but internal emails obtained the US Right to Know organization revealed that the Food and Drug Administration has repeatedly found a “fair amount” of glyphosate over two years of food testing, but has failed to release its findings.

Do you remember when Mamavation met with the American Academy of Pediatrics to lobby for the removal of Monsanto as a sponsor? Well, weeks later the AAP kicked Monsanto to the curb. Monsanto has become such a pariah that no one wants to stand next to them. And for those of you who still think the Food & Drug Administration is doing a wonderful job protecting us from dangerous chemicals, note that even the American Academy of Pediatrics has come out against the process by which they evaluate chemical safety stating it doesn’t protect pregnant women or children from dangers. Hmmm…

Glyphosate Residue Test Results of Popular Brands

Glyphosate is obviously poisoning us. It’s no wonder that 27% of US children live with chronic health conditions including asthma, ADHD, autoimmune disorders, food allergies and diabetes. Did you know that cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children? We must pinpoint the reasons chronic illnesses in children is rising at unprecedented rates. In fact, it doubled from 12.8% in 1994 to 26.6% in 2006 alone! One huge reason for this 100% increase is the exposure to toxins like glyphosate from the womb through the entirety of childhood, and being that infants and kids are more likely to absorb toxins, we’re looking at devastating and lasting exposure with long-term health effects.

Below is a condensed chart of the test results reported by The Environmental Working Group (EWG). We’ve listed the entire study with worst offenders and averaged their levels of glyphosate (measured in parts per billion) in the tested samples. There are more than enough everyday products to be concerned about which only confirms our suspicions about high-level pesticide contamination in non-organic food. The EWG states that based on California’s evaluation of risk levels any product over 160 ppb (parts per billion) would be problematic for an adult. When we are talking about children, that level needs to be lower. 

Granola Brands Tested for Glyphosate

• Nature’s Path Organic Honey Almond granola— Test #1 Non-detectable, Test #2 Non-detectable
• Back to Nature Classic Granola–Test #1 620 ppb, Test #2 170 ppb
• Quaker Simply Granola Oats, Honey, Raisins & Almonds–Test #1 430 ppb, Test #2 400 ppb
• Back to Nature Banana Walnut Granola Clusters–Test #1 30 ppb, Test #2 30 ppb, Test #3 340 ppb
• Nature Valley Granola Protein Oats ‘n Honey–Test #1 220 ppb, Test #2 170 ppb
• KIND Vanilla, Blueberry Clusters with Flax Seeds–Test #1 50 ppb, Test #2 60 ppb

Instant Oats Brands Tested for Glyphosate

• Giant Instant Oatmeal, Original Flavor–Test #1 760 ppb
• Simple Truth Organic Instant Oatmeal, Original–Test #1 Non-detectable, Test #2 Non-detectable
• Quaker Dinosaur Eggs, Brown Sugar, Instant Oatmeal–Test #1 620 ppb, Test #2 780 ppb
• Great Value Original Instant Oatmeal–Test #1 450 ppb
• Umpqua Oats, Maple Pecan–Test #1 220 ppb, Test #2 220 ppb
• Market Pantry Instant Oatmeal, Strawberries & Cream–Test #1 120 ppb, Test #2 520 ppb

Oat Breakfast Cereal Brands Tested for Glyphosate

• Kashi Heart to Heart Organic Honey Toasted cereal–Test #1 Non-detectable, Test #2 Non-detectable
• Cheerios Toasted Whole Grain Oat cereal–Test #1 490 ppb, Test #2 470 ppb
• Lucky Charms–Test #1 400ppb, Test #2 230 ppb
• Barbara’s Multigrain Spoonfuls, Original, Cereal–Test #1 340 ppb, Test #2 300 ppb
• Kellogg’s Cracklin’ Oat Bran oat cereal–Test #1 250 ppb, Test #2 120 ppb

Snack Bars Brands Tested for Glyphosate

• Cascadian Farm Organic Harvest Berry, granola bar–Test #1 Non-detectable, Test #2 Non-detectable
• KIND Oats & Honey with Toasted Coconut–Test #1 Non-detectable, Test #2 120 ppb
• Nature Valley Crunchy Granola Bars, Oats ‘n Honey–Test #1 340 ppb, Test #2 120 ppb
• Quaker Chewy Chocolate Chip granola bar–Test #1 120 ppb, Test #2 160 ppb
• Kellogg’s Nutrigrain Soft Baked Breakfast Bars, Strawberry–Test #1 30 ppb, Test #2 80 ppb

Whole Oats Brands Tested for Glyphosate

• 365 Organic Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats–Test #1 Non-detectable, Test #2 Non-detectable
• Quaker Steel Cut Oats–Test #1 530 ppb, Test #2 290 ppb
• Quaker Old Fashioned Oats–Test #1 390 ppb, Test #2 1100 ppb, Test #3 1300 ppb
• Bob’s Red Mill Steel Cut Oats–Test #1 300 ppb, Test #2 Non-detectable

Here’s a reminder of who the worst brands were in those categories. Some of the biggest offending brands are Quaker testing at 415 ppb, 700 ppb, 560 ppb and 930 ppb AND Cheerios 497 ppb AND Lucky Charms at 315 ppb. Other considerations is generic brands like Great Value at Walmart and Giant who came in at a whopping 760 ppb.

 

Glyphosate Residue-Free Oat Products

We have good news though! EWG also tested a handful of organic brands that came back without glyphosate. The difference between organic and non-organic couldn’t be more clear. That’s why we love to support efforts like the recently-launched Glyphosate Residue Free certification by The Detox Project. Soon we hope to see the label we can trust all over store shelves that allows us to choose products without worrying about toxic chemical contamination. Overall, it’s sharply evident that we need to continue educating ourselves about the hazards of the toxic chemicals we’re constantly surrounded with, and making informed decisions about the products we’re buying for our families. Thankfully, there are more safe options available all the time.

 

 

Brands Certified as Glyphosate Residue-Free Through 3rd Party Lab Testing

The Detox Project has started certifying products “Glyphosate Residue-Free” via lab tests twice a year. Several brands flocked to this new certification as a way to prove with a 3rd party they were free from glyphosate residue. Brands that tested higher in the EWG study would be wise to change their sourcing and then get this certification to prove to the public they have cleaned up their supply chain. But I wanted to give some love to the brands that have decided to go through this process to prove they are safe for your family.

 

Leaf & Love Organics lemonade

 

Acacia Honey, Neem Honey, White Honey, Chocolate Mint Patties, Chocolate Almond Patties, Chocolate Pomegranate Patties, Chocolate Ginger Patties, Double Dark Chocolate Patties, Sugar

 

Refined 100% Pure Avocado Oil, Organic Avocado Oil, Chosen Blend Oil, Avocado Oil Mayo – Traditional, Avocado Oil Mayo – Harissa, Avocado Oil Mayo – Wasabi, Avocado Oil Mayo – Black Garlic, Coconut Oil Mayo – Traditional, Organic Chia Seeds, Organic White Quinoa, Avocado Oil Vegan Mayo, Avocado Oil Spray, Chosen Blend Oil Spray, Organic Chosen Blend, Italian Herb Avocado Oil Spray, Lemon Dill Avocado Oil Spray, Citrus Pepper Avocado Oil Spray, Chili Lime Ginger Avocado Oil Spray, Garlic Avocado Oil Spray, Chai Blend Avocado Oil Spray, Cinnamon Vanilla Avocado Oil Spray, Gingerbread Avocado Oil Spray

 

Adrenal Strength®, Adult B-Centered™, Alpha-Teen™, Baby & Me™, Baby & Me 2, Baby and Me Canada, Balanced B Complex, Balanced Minerals, Blood Builder® 30, Blood Builder® 60, Blood Builder Mini, Bone Health, Calcium, Cal, Magnesium & Potassium, Complex C, Daily C-Protect Nutrient Booster Powder™ Box, Daily Energy Nutrient Booster Powder™ Box, Daily Maca Plus for Men, Daily Maca Plus for Women, Daily Purify Nutrient Booster PowderTM, Daily Turmeric Nutrient Booster Powder™ Box, Dream Release™, E & Selenium, GTF Chromium 100
mcg, Kid’s B Complex, Kid’s Daily B-Centered Nutrient Booster Powder™, Kid’s Daily Immune Nutrient Booster Powder™, Kid’s Daily Multi-Nutrient Booster Powder™, Kids N’ Us™ MegaFlora®, Kids One Daily, Magnesium, MegaFlora®, MegaFlora® for Baby & Me™, MegaFlora® for Over 50, MegaFlora® for Women, MegaFlora® Plus, Men Over 40™ One Daily, Men’s One Daily, Methyl B12, Multi for Men, Multi for Men 40+, Multi for Men 55+, Multi for
Women, Multi for Women 40+, Multi for Women 55+, One Daily, One Daily Iron Free, Prostate Strength™, Pure Cranberry, Selenium, Skin, Nails & Hair™, Skin, Nails & Hair 2™, Thyroid Strength™, Turmeric Strength™
for Joint, Turmeric Strength™ for Liver, Turmeric Strength™ for Whole Body, Ultra C-400 mg, Un-Stress®, Vegan B12, Vitamin D-3 1000 IU, Vitamin D-3 2000 IU, Wild Blueberry, Women’s One Daily, Women’s One Daily – California Blend, Women Over 40TM One Daily, Zinc.

 

Conventional Multifloral Manuka Honey-All Variants, Conventional Monofloral Manuka Honey- All Variants, Organic Multifloral Manuka Honey- All Variants, Organic Monofloral Manuka Honey- All Variants, Conventional Beechwood-All Variants, Conventional Rata-All Variants, Conventional Thyme-All Variants, Conventional Dandelion-All Variants, Apple Cider Vinegar with K16 Manuka Honey, Organic Manuka Honey Drops Ginger with Echinacea, Organic Manuka Honey Drops Lemon with Bee Propolis, Organic Manuka Honey Drops Eucalyptus with Bee Propolis, Organic Manuka Honey Drops Fennel and Cinnamon

 

Kabrita Goat Milk Toddler Formula

 

Biome Medic Probiotic & Detox Supplement

 

HeartSavior™ Cholesterol Supplement

 

100% Pure Honey

 

Organic Honey

 

Restore Healthy Gut Supplement

 

Full Cream Goat Milk Powder, Spring Meadows Creamery Goat Cheddar

 

Clary Sage Seed Oil

 

Truvani Turmeric