There might be an unexpected chemical in your bowl of cereal or oatmeal.
A plant pesticide not approved for crops grown in the U.S. has been discovered in more than 90% of oat-based foods, according to a recent findings by the Environmental Working Group. The study, which was published in the Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology, revealed that the food products come from popular brands like Cheerios and Quaker Oats.
The report found high levels of a plant growth regulator called chlormequat chloride in four out of five people tested. A plant growth regulator is a chemical that farmers and growers use to control how a plant flowers, grows roots, or ages.
This chemical is only approved in the U.S. for ornamental plants, but the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) allows the import of crops from countries where the pesticide is allowed.
Although research is limited, some studies have found chlormequat chloride to reduce fertility and cause fetal developmental issues. The research was done on animals, but the findings have raised concern over how humans can be similarly impacted.
Researchers found the chemical present in 80% of urine samples collected from 96 adults. The test was performed from 2017 through 2023, and the pesticide was more common in the samples taken in 2023 versus those from earlier years. This suggests that exposure to the chemical may be getting stronger.
“My initial reaction is one of great concern because of the toxicity and environmental impacts associated with this compound,” says Zachary Cartwright, Ph.D., lead food scientist at AQUALAB by Addium and a member of the Institute of Food Technologists’s food safety and quality management division.
“It is important to realize that this is a relatively small sample size and that differences in exposure could also be due to geographic locations, diets, and occupational exposure, as mentioned in the study.”
Researchers also tested oat and wheat-based foods including non-organic cereal, granola, and oatmeal. The chemical was found in 92% of the non-organic oat foods including Quaker Oats and several types of Cheerios from General Mills.
The chemical was found in the highest concentration in Quaker Oat’s Old Fashioned Oats. Other products with high samples included Quaker products, including Honey Nut Oatmeal Squares and Maple and Brown Sugar Instant Oatmeal, Great Value Oats & Honey Granola, and Cheerios.
Researchers pointed out that the levels of chlormequat chloride found in the new study were much lower than the amount safety regulators in the U.S. and Europe say is acceptable.
The EWG is calling for federal agencies to monitor and test for the pesticide and has discouraged the EPA from allowing the use of the chemical on U.S.-grown crops.
“Keep in mind that this is a pilot investigation and that more research and data collection should be completed before making any significant claims or inferences,” says Cartwright. “Overall, this study does indicate the growing need to better understand the emerging chemical exposure within the United States so that the government can establish testing and monitoring programs for the Center for Disease Control, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Food and Drug Administration.”
