Always Choose Organic: Wheat, Beans, Lentils, & Oats

Concerns about the presence of glyphosate residues in conventional foods have been growing, prompting many consumers to opt for organic alternatives. This article explores the reasons why organic wheat, beans, lentils, and oats are safer choices due to high levels of glyphosate in their conventional counterparts. We will discuss the use of glyphosate, its classification by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), its application at harvest, the most contaminated food products, and implications for health, especially in young children.

Glyphosate: The Herbicide in Roundup

Glyphosate is the active ingredient in the herbicide Roundup, which is widely used in agriculture to control weeds. Since its introduction by Monsanto in the 1970s, glyphosate has become the most extensively used herbicide globally. It is not only applied during the growing season but also used as a desiccant to dry out crops before harvest, particularly in non-genetically modified (non-GMO) crops like wheat, beans, lentils, and oats.

Classification by the IARC

In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a part of the World Health Organization (WHO), classified glyphosate as a “probable human carcinogen” (Group 2A). This classification was based on evidence from studies in humans and animals indicating that glyphosate exposure is associated with an increased risk of cancer, particularly non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Use at Harvest and Contamination of Crops

Glyphosate is commonly sprayed on wheat, beans, lentils, and oats shortly before harvest. This practice, known as pre-harvest desiccation, helps dry out the crops uniformly and allows for easier and more efficient harvesting. However, this late-stage application results in higher levels of glyphosate residues in the harvested crops, which can persist through processing and end up in the food products on supermarket shelves.

Foods Most Contaminated with Glyphosate

Recent studies and reports have highlighted alarmingly high levels of glyphosate in a variety of food products, particularly those made from wheat, beans, lentils, and oats. Some of the most commonly contaminated foods include:

• Breakfast cereals: Many popular oat-based cereals contain high levels of glyphosate. (Often a favorite of children!)
• Snack bars: Oat and wheat-based snack bars are often found to have significant glyphosate residues. (Also popular with children).
• Legume-based products: Foods made from beans and lentils, such as soups, canned beans, and bean-based pastas can also contain glyphosate.

Health Implications, Especially for Young Children

The presence of glyphosate residues in foods is particularly worrisome for young children, who are more vulnerable to the potential health risks associated with exposure. Glyphosate’s classification as a probable human carcinogen raises concerns about its long-term effects on health. Additionally, studies have suggested that glyphosate can disrupt endocrine function and negatively impact gut health, which are critical areas of concern for growing children.

Safe Levels of Glyphosate vs. Detected Levels

Regulatory agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States, have established acceptable daily intake (ADI) levels for glyphosate. The EPA’s ADI for glyphosate is 1.75 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day. However, the actual levels of glyphosate found in some foods can be much, much higher than what is considered safe.

For instance, a report by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found glyphosate levels in some oat-based foods to be as high as 1,300 parts per billion (ppb), far exceeding the EWG’s benchmark for safety, which is set at 160 ppb for children’s health. (Oof).

Why Choose Organic?

Organic farming prohibits the use of synthetic herbicides, including glyphosate. Choosing organic wheat, beans, lentils, and oats significantly reduces the risk of glyphosate exposure. Organic products are grown using natural methods that do not involve the application of synthetic chemicals at any stage, ensuring that the food is free from glyphosate residues.

Conclusion

Consuming organic wheat, beans, lentils, and oats is a proactive step to minimize exposure to glyphosate, a herbicide classified as a probable human carcinogen by the IARC. The widespread use of glyphosate, particularly as a pre-harvest desiccant, leads to high residue levels in conventional food products, posing health risks, especially for young children. By opting for organic alternatives, consumers can avoid these risks and support healthier, more sustainable agricultural practices.

References:

1. IARC Monographs. (2015). Glyphosate. International Agency for Research on Cancer. Link
2. Benbrook, C. M. (2016). Trends in glyphosate herbicide use in the United States and globally. Environmental Sciences Europe, 28(1), 3. Link
3. Myers, J. P., Antoniou, M. N., Blumberg, B., Carroll, L., Colborn, T., Everett, L. G., … & Vandenberg, L. N. (2016). Concerns over use of glyphosate-based herbicides and risks associated with exposures: a consensus statement. Environmental Health, 15(1), 19. Link
4. Environmental Working Group. (2018). Breakfast With a Dose of Roundup? EWG’s Tests of Glyphosate in Popular Oat-Based Foods. Link
5. Thongprakaisang, S., Thiantanawat, A., Rangkadilok, N., Suriyo, T., & Satayavivad, J. (2013). Glyphosate induces human breast cancer cells growth via estrogen receptors. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 59, 129-136. Link
6. Krüger, M., Schrödl, W., Neuhaus, J., & Shehata, A. A. (2013). Field investigations of glyphosate in urine of Danish dairy cows. Journal of Environmental & Analytical Toxicology, 3(5). Link