The EPA is currently evaluating a concerning report on a toxic chemical discovered in Cheerios and Quaker Oats, coinciding with potential plans to increase its usage.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently evaluating a report on a toxic chemical found in popular breakfast products, Cheerios and Quaker Oats, while also considering increasing its usage. The report, published by the nonprofit organization Environmental Working Group (EWG), revealed that four out of five Americans tested positive for chlormequat chloride, a chemical linked to reduced fertility, altered fetal growth, and delayed puberty.

Chlormequat chloride is mainly present in these breakfast staples because oats used in their production are grown on Canadian farms where the chemical is allowed. The EPA confirmed that it is reviewing the study but is also weighing whether to permit US farmers to use chlormequat. The chemical, according to its manufacturer Taminco, helps increase crop yields by making grains stand upright, making them easier to harvest.

Last year, the EPA issued a proposal to allow US farmers to use chlormequat in response to an application submitted by Taminco. The agency is currently reviewing public comments on the matter and expects to make a decision in late 2024. Additionally, the EPA is considering increasing the allowed amount of chlormequat in imported oats.

However, several organizations and experts have raised concerns about the potential negative health effects of chlormequat. The Center for Food Safety and the American Academy of Pediatrics have urged the EPA to keep the chemical restricted, particularly due to its potential impact on infants and children.

Despite these concerns, chlormequat has been present in the US food supply since 2018 when the EPA allowed its use in imported oats, wheat, barley, and some animal products. The EPA claims that there are no risks of concern, stating that the dose determined to protect against chronic dietary exposures is 50 times lower than the dose where reproductive effects are generally seen.

EWG’s study argues that the EPA’s research overlooked important animal studies showing the impact of chlormequat on the male reproductive system and the growth of the developing fetus. The study also found an increase in the presence of chlormequat in Americans from 69% in 2017 to 90% in 2023.

Food companies such as General Mills and Pepsico, which owns Quaker Oats, have not provided comments on the matter. However, Bob’s Red Mill, known for its natural and certified gluten-free grain products, emphasized that its oats are organic and do not contain chlormequat.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defers to the EPA on this matter, stating that the EPA evaluates pesticides to ensure their safety when used according to label directions. The FDA also relies on the EPA’s risk assessments to determine tolerances for pesticides found on foods.

Some experts have expressed skepticism about the study’s findings, questioning the sample size of 96 participants. John Stanton, chairman of the Food, Pharma, and Healthcare department at St. Joseph’s University, suggests that further investigation is needed to validate the findings.

It is important to note that even organic products can contain pesticides since there is no uniform national definition for what qualifies as organic. Each state has its own definition and may make exceptions for insecticide use under certain circumstances.

Overall, the EPA’s evaluation of the toxic chemical found in popular breakfast products raises concerns about its potential health effects. As the agency reviews the study and considers allowing US farmers to use chlormequat, it is crucial to prioritize public health and thoroughly assess the risks associated with this chemical.