Experts are raising concerns about the safety of popular oat-based food products like Cheerios and Quaker Oats due to the presence of a pesticide called chlormequat. A recent study conducted by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found detectable levels of this chemical in 92% of nonorganic oat-based foods purchased in May 2023. While the effects of chlormequat on humans are still uncertain, studies conducted on laboratory animals have shown that it can harm fetal growth and development as well as damage the reproductive system.
The EWG is urging concerned consumers to opt for organic oat products as an alternative. Certified organic oats are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, ensuring a safer option for those worried about potential health risks. However, it is important to note that representatives for General Mills, the company behind Cheerios, and PepsiCo, which owns Quaker Oats, have not yet responded to requests for comment.
Experts in the field support the EWG’s recommendation to choose organic oat products. Charles Benbrook, a scientific consultant specializing in pesticides, emphasized the importance of avoiding chlormequat, calling it an unsafe product that should be avoided by families with children or those considering starting a family. Melissa Furlong, an assistant professor of environmental health sciences at the University of Arizona, highlighted that chlormequat is not the only pesticide found in oat-based cereals. More research is needed to fully understand the potential health effects of this substance on humans.
Chlormequat has not been approved for use on food crops grown in the United States. However, it can be found in oats and oat products imported from other countries. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Trump administration started allowing the importation of these products into the U.S., leading to the presence of chlormequat in some cereals sold in the country. The EPA is currently considering approving chlormequat for use on crops grown domestically, but the agency has stated that there are no immediate risks of concern based on their human health risk assessment.
While many experts recommend opting for organic oat products, some consumers may not be as strict in their purchasing habits. Furlong, for example, admits to occasionally buying nonorganic oat products like Cheerios. Ultimately, the decision to consume these products lies with the individual, taking into account their personal concerns and risk tolerance.
In conclusion, concerns have been raised regarding the safety of popular oat-based food products due to the presence of chlormequat, a pesticide that has been found in 92% of nonorganic oat-based foods. The Environmental Working Group recommends choosing organic oat products as a safer alternative, as they are grown without synthetic pesticides. Experts support this recommendation but acknowledge that more research is needed to fully understand the potential health effects of chlormequat on humans. The EPA is considering approving chlormequat for use on domestic crops, although they claim there are no immediate risks of concern. Ultimately, consumers must make their own decisions based on their personal concerns and risk tolerance.
