WASHINGTON, D.C. – Concerns about the presence of a pesticide called chlormequat in oat-based food products, including popular cereals like Cheerios and Quaker Oats, have been raised by a recent study conducted by the Environmental Working Group (EWG). The non-profit organization found detectable levels of the chemical in 92% of nonorganic oat-based foods purchased in May 2023.
According to the study, chlormequat has been shown to cause harm to the normal growth and development of the fetus and damage the reproductive system in laboratory animals. While it has not been proven to have the same effects on humans, the EWG is advocating for concerned consumers to purchase organic oat products as an alternative.
Experts, including Charles Benbrook, a scientific consultant based in Washington state, and Melissa Furlong, an assistant professor of environmental health sciences at the University of Arizona, echoed the EWG’s recommendation to choose organic options. Benbrook emphasized the importance of avoiding chlormequat, especially for families raising children or considering starting a family.
Additionally, Furlong highlighted that chlormequat is not the only pesticide found in oat-based cereals, and there is still much to learn about its potential health effects on humans. The presence of chlormequat in cereals sold in the U.S. is attributed to imports from other countries, as it has not been approved for use on food crops grown in the U.S. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently considering approving chlormequat for use on crops in the U.S.
Despite the concerns raised, representatives for General Mills, the company that makes Cheerios, and PepsiCo, which owns Quaker Oats, did not provide immediate comments on the study. However, it is evident that the study has prompted discussions about the safety of pesticide use in food production and the importance of consumer awareness and choice.