The Environmental Working Group (EWG), a nonprofit environmental advocacy group focused on public health, tested samples of oatmeal, granola, and other oat products in 2018. The goal was to check the products' levels of glyphosate—the main ingredient in the pesticide Roundup. The results indicated varying, but sometimes high, glyphosate levels.
EWG said these levels are cause for concern, but the food companies said their oat products met government safety standards. What's more, not all oats contain glyphosate; you may be able to buy organic options without the ingredient's residue. Here's what you need to know about the chemical and its link to oat-based products plus tips for alternatives.
Glyphosate is an herbicide used to keep weeds at bay for some field crops and in fruit, nut, and vegetable production. It has been sold commercially in the U.S. since 1974. Since then, any glyphosate residues found on foods need to be below tolerance levels set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to be sold to the public.
It's also possible to be exposed to glyphosate in other ways. It can end up on your skin or in your eyes if you spray it without protective gear like gloves or goggles. You could also breathe it in if you're using it to treat plants.
Glyphosate in Oats
Glyphosate has indeed been found in several types of oat products. EWG's initial tests found glyphosate levels ranging from 0 to just over 2,800 parts per billion (ppb). However, they completed tests in 2023 and discovered that the levels of glyphosate were lower in oat products.
The results indicated that glyphosate levels were undetectable in puree jars and several oat-based dry cereals. Still, many Quaker and General Mills produce samples had high glyphosate levels.
Glyphosate is minimally toxic to humans if they are exposed to trace amounts in food. It's considered safe as long as its levels in food do not go beyond the EPA's set tolerance levels. However, a person may experience nausea and vomiting if a person consumes a large amount of glyphosate.
Should You Buy Glyphosate-Free Oats?
The choice is up to you if you want to buy glyphosate-free oats. However, if you want to enjoy the benefits of eating oatmeal or other oat products but you're concerned about pesticide levels, choose organic oats, contributing nutrition editor Cynthia Sass, RD, told Health.
Eating organic can help you lower your exposure to even trace amounts of pesticides, said Sass, particularly for foods you eat daily. One study tested non-organic and organic oat products and found that the organic products tested did contain traces of glyphosate. Still, compared to the non-organic products, the organic products had the lowest glyphosate levels.
You may be able to purchase organic, glyphosate-free oats online; just be sure to do your research beforehand. Also, some organic foods are pricier than conventionally grown ones, but there are still many options.
"If you're on a budget, look for store-brand organic products," said Sass. "And you can save on name-brand organic manufacturers by looking for printable coupons on their websites or on retailer sites." You can check the bulk section at your supermarket too, where items tend to cost less per serving, for organic options, said Sass.
A Quick Review
Glyphosate, an ingredient found in weed killers, can be present in oat-based products like cereals and oatmeal. However, trace amounts of glyphosate are safe so long as they do not exceed the tolerable amount established by the EPA. Organic, glyphosate-free options may be available at supermarkets or online if you prefer to eat products without any pesticide residue.
