Pesticide chlormequat detected in Cheerios and other oat-based foods

USA-  A recent study conducted by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) has raised alarms over the presence of chlormequat chloride, a pesticide not approved for use on U.S. food crops, in various oat-based products, including popular brands like Quaker Oats and Cheerios.

The study, published in the Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology, revealed that chlormequat chloride was found in a staggering 80% of products tested. 

Furthermore, the chemical was detected in 92% of oat-based foods purchased in May 2023, encompassing a range of popular breakfast items.

Chlormequat chloride, primarily used for plant growth regulation, has been linked to potential adverse effects such as reduced fertility and harm to developing fetuses in animals. 

In May 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requested to register new uses for the pesticide chlormequat chloride on food crops; a move that if finalized would mark the first-ever approval for using the pesticide on U.S. food.

However, the EWG has submitted comments from studies conducted by independent bodies to the EPA pleading with the agency to forbid the use of chlormequat on crops grown in the United States over safety concerns.

While the U.S. has not approved this pesticide for use on food crops domestically, imports of oats from countries where its use is permitted have been accepted since 2018. Additionally, there are proposals to register chlormequat chloride for use on food crops in the U.S.

According to the EWG, regulatory changes and the acceptance of imported oats treated with chlormequat chloride might explain the increasing frequency and higher levels of chemical detection in Americans. 

The study analyzed urine samples collected from U.S. adults between 2017 and 2023, indicating a rise in detection rates.

Despite the relatively low levels of exposure detected in participants, concerns persist due to previous studies demonstrating adverse effects on fertility in animals exposed to chlormequat chloride. 

The EWG stressed the importance of continued research to fully understand the risks associated with this pesticide.

“Research about chlormequat’s effects is ongoing, and no studies have determined how much of a risk this chemical might pose,” stated the EWG. “That’s where the government has a vital role to play in overseeing the future of chlormequat in the U.S.”

As the debate surrounding pesticide use and its potential impact on public health intensifies, calls for stricter regulation and comprehensive studies to evaluate the safety of such chemicals continue to grow louder. 

Consumers are urged to stay informed about the products they consume and advocate for greater transparency in the food industry to ensure the safety and well-being of all.

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