Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, the world’s most popular herbicide, is showing up in a significant portion of our food supply. A recent Environmental Working Group investigation revealed that 95% of oat-based food samples they tested contained glyphosate. Furthermore, every wheat-based food they tested had detectable levels of this chemical, with pasta and cereals showing the highest concentrations. Brands like Mueller, Barilla, and Signature Select had some of the largest amounts in their dried pasta products.
Diet Is a “Major Source” of Glyphosate Levels
But what does this mean for public health? A study from the UC Berkeley School of Public Health in 2023 sheds light on this pressing question. Examining a group of mother-child pairs from Salinas Valley, a key agricultural zone, researchers discovered that diet was a major source of glyphosate exposure. It wasn’t just present; higher levels in children were linked to severe health issues, including cancer, later in life.
Glyphosate’s prevalence in agriculture is no secret.
It’s been used on major crops like corn, soybeans, and wheat since the 1970s. This is not just a rural issue—Roundup is a common tool for gardeners and landscapers. The financial success of Monsanto, which Bayer acquired, has been fueled by glyphosate’s effectiveness, generating billions in revenue.
Despite its economic success, there is a darker side to this chemical. Research over the decades has consistently found that exposure to glyphosate increases the risk of cancer. The OEHHA added it to a list of chemicals known to cause cancer in 2017, and more recent studies have directly linked it to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, with a 41% increased risk for those exposed.
How Glyphosate Likely Causes Cancer
How does glyphosate do this? It works by inhibiting a plant enzyme critical for growth, but it’s the inclusion of a type of detergent that heightens concerns. This additive, designed to break down plant surfaces and increase glyphosate’s potency, could be what allows the chemical to breach human defenses as well, potentially leading to DNA alterations and cancer growth.
Consumers Deserve Answers
The presence of glyphosate has raised significant questions about the oversight of food safety and the accountability of agrochemical corporations. As legal battles unfold and research continues to reveal the pervasive nature of glyphosate contamination, consumers are left to ponder the safety of their meals.
These findings may be particularly relevant for individuals diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The evidence that links glyphosate to their condition is growing, and the need for a deeper investigation into their dietary history and exposure levels is becoming more pressing.
The story of glyphosate is not just one of a chemical compound but a narrative of public trust, corporate responsibility, and the search for a balance between agricultural needs and the health of consumers. It is clear that glyphosate exposure is more common than many may have suspected, and the consequences of its presence in our food supply warrant a serious and immediate examination.
If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer after possible exposure to glyphosate, learn your legal options: call HHR at (888) 498-3023 for a free consultation.