Introduction
A recent study published in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology reveals that 80% of tested Americans have chlormequat, a plant regulating agent, in their bodies. Chlormequat is not approved for use on edible crops in the U.S., but imported foods treated with it are allowed. The findings, highlighted by the Environmental Working Group, raise concerns as common oat and wheat-based products like Cheerios and Quaker Oats contain this potentially harmful chemical.
What is Chlormequat?
Chlormequat chloride serves as a pivotal pesticide employed primarily as a plant growth regulator, notably reducing stem height in crops such as wheat, oats, and barley. This application helps mitigate the risk of crops bending over during growth, facilitating more efficient harvesting processes. Despite its utility, chlormequat lacks approval for use on edible plants within the United States. Nevertheless, a noteworthy decision by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2018 permitted the importation of foods treated with this chemical. Conversely, chlormequat enjoys approval for application on food crops, especially grains, within the regulatory frameworks of the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
The revelations of a comprehensive study published in the esteemed Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology shed light on the pervasive presence of chlormequat within the American populace. Among the cohort tested, a staggering 80% exhibited traces of the pesticide in their systems. Leveraging urine samples collected across diverse geographical regions spanning the years 2017 through 2023, researchers discerned not only the widespread prevalence of chlormequat but also discernible increases in its concentration compared to prior periods.
Of significant concern is the study’s additional finding that chlormequat was detectable in 92% of oat-based products analyzed during the May 2023 sampling, including household staples like Quaker Oats and Cheerios. This revelation underscores the potential ubiquity of exposure to this chemical among consumers, raising pertinent questions regarding its implications for human health and safety.
Many Popular Products were Found to Contain Chlormequat
Researchers conducted an extensive analysis and found chlormequat present in various oat and wheat-based products, encompassing both conventional and organic options.
In their investigation, researchers examined conventional oat-based products acquired in June and August 2022, as well as May 2023. Across these samples, chlormequat was detected in a substantial 92% of the tested products. Conversely, the detection rate in organic oat-based products stood notably lower at 12.5%.
Furthermore, a separate examination of conventional wheat-based products in February 2023 unveiled traces of chlormequat in 22% of the sampled items.
The study’s authors meticulously scrutinized individual items from a diverse array of brands to ascertain the presence of chlormequat. Notably, the chemical was identified in several product lines from General Mills, including Cheerios, as well as various offerings from Quaker Foods, such as oatmeal, granola bars, and Old Fashioned Oats. Additionally, certain generic store-brand granola and cereals, including those sold at Walmart and Target, also contained detectable levels of chlormequat.
Mollie Wulff, representing General Mills, emphasized in a statement, “All our products adhere to all regulatory requirements. Food safety is always our top priority at General Mills, and we take care to ensure our food is prepared and packaged in the safest way possible.”
What are the effects of chlormequat?
Chlormequat, a commonly used plant growth regulator in agriculture, has raised concerns regarding its potential effects on both human health and the environment. Research suggests that exposure to chlormequat may be associated with various health risks, including potential impacts on fertility and puberty development. The extent of these effects can vary depending on factors such as the level and duration of exposure.
Furthermore, the environmental impact of chlormequat is also a subject of concern. When applied to crops, chlormequat can enter the surrounding ecosystem through runoff, potentially contaminating water sources and affecting aquatic life and other organisms.
While regulatory agencies continue to assess the safety and risks associated with chlormequat, ongoing research is necessary to fully understand its effects. As such, it is crucial to consider the potential implications of chlormequat use and take appropriate measures to mitigate any associated risks to human health and the environment.
Excerpt
The use of chlormequat chloride as a pesticide raises concerns for human health and the environment. Acting as a plant growth regulator, it helps crop growth efficiency but lacks approval for edible plants in the U.S. Despite this, chlormequat-treated foods can be imported, leading to worries about consumer exposure. Studies find high chlormequat levels in oat and wheat-based products, including popular brands like Quaker Oats and Cheerios, highlighting the need for ongoing research and regulation.