In a recent study, researchers have shed light on the presence of chlormequat, a pesticide, in certain oat-based foods. This chemical has been detected in popular products like Cheerios and Quaker Oats, prompting discussions about food safety and consumer awareness.

What Is Chlormequat?

• Chlormequat chloride is commonly employed to reduce stem height in crops like wheat, oats, and barley. This helps with easier harvesting.
• While it is approved for use on crops like wheat and barley, it is not approved for edible plants in the United States.

The Recent Study and an Interesting Twist

• Published in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology, the study found that 80% of tested Americans had detectable levels of chlormequat in their systems.
• Notably, the concentration of this chemical has increased compared to prior years.
• Chlormequat was found in both conventional and organic oat and wheat-based products.
• Here’s the interesting twist: In 2018, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) decided to allow the importation of foods treated with chlormequat, even though it is not currently approved for use on food or animal feed within the U.S. This decision opened the door for imported products containing chlormequat.

Chlormequat in Common Oat-Based Foods

• The study found that chlormequat was detected in 92% of oat-based foods purchased and tested in May 2023.
• These foods included popular brands like Quaker Oats products and Cheerios.
• Researchers found the presence of chlormequat in both traditional and organic oat and wheat-based products.

The study found that the pesticide chlormequat was detected in 92% of oat-based foods purchased and tested in May 2023, including popular brands like Quaker Oats and Cheerios. Additionally, this lesser-known pesticide was also found in both traditional and organic oat and wheat-based products.

Furthermore, a separate study revealed that fast food brands contained at least trace levels of 27 different kinds of harmful pesticides. The highest levels were found in Domino’s and Pizza Hut pizza, while “healthier” fast food companies like Panera Bread, In-N-Out, and Chipotle had either trace or detectable levels of pesticides.

An independent laboratory tested various food brands and found residues of toxic pesticides in products produced and sold by Kroger, Walmart, Costco, and Albertsons.