Alexei Volkov
In 2024, General Mills faced public pressure to remove plastics from its Cheerios breakfast cereal. However, the presence of 'plastic' in Cheerios is more nuanced than it seems. While Cheerios do not physically contain plastic, they have been found to contain trace amounts of glyphosate, the main ingredient in the herbicide Roundup, which is sprayed on crops before harvest. This chemical has been deemed probably carcinogenic to humans and has sparked debate among health experts and regulatory agencies regarding its safety and potential health risks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic in Cheerios | No, but there is a chemical called glyphosate, which is an herbicide and the main ingredient in the widely used weed killer Roundup. |
| Cancer risk | The International Agency for Research on Cancer classified glyphosate as "probably carcinogenic to humans." However, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have determined that glyphosate is "unlikely to be a human carcinogen" and that foods containing trace amounts are unlikely to cause cancer when eaten in normal amounts. |
| Regulatory action | The agencies that oversee food safety in the US have not recommended against the consumption of Cheerios or demanded a recall. |
| Company response | General Mills has not banned its farmers from using glyphosate but is encouraging them to find alternative methods. Kellogg Company, another cereal manufacturer, has announced plans to phase out glyphosate by the end of 2025. |
| Consumer advice | It is advised to switch to organic foods to minimize overall pesticide exposure. |
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What You'll Learn
Glyphosate levels in Cheerios are above safe limits
Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide and the main ingredient in the weed killer Roundup. It has been linked to cancer, with several juries finding in favour of cancer patients who claim their illness is linked to glyphosate exposure. In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified glyphosate as "probably carcinogenic to humans".
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has found that glyphosate levels in Cheerios are above what it considers safe for children. The EWG detected glyphosate levels of 729 ppb in Cheerios and 833 ppb in Honey Nut Cheerios Medley Crunch. The EWG considers anything over 160 ppb to be unsafe for children.
General Mills, the manufacturer of Cheerios, has stated that food safety is a "top priority" and that it is working to minimize the use of pesticides on the ingredients it uses. The company noted that "most crops grown in fields use some form of pesticides and trace amounts are found in the majority of food we all eat".
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a much higher threshold for glyphosate content, ranging from 0.1 to 310 parts per million, rather than per billion. The EPA has determined that glyphosate is "unlikely to be a human carcinogen". The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also cited the EPA's finding, noting that glyphosate levels in the food products it tested were all within EPA standards.
Despite these assurances, some organizations that test food for safety have raised concerns that the glyphosate levels in Cheerios may be higher than acceptable limits. It is important to note that the choice of whether to consume Cheerios is ultimately up to the individual, and there are many other healthy breakfast options available.
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Glyphosate is an ingredient in the weed killer Roundup
Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide that controls broadleaf weeds and grasses. It was first brought to market in 1974 by Monsanto under the brand name Roundup. It is a broad-spectrum systemic herbicide and crop desiccant that acts by inhibiting the plant enzyme 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSP). This makes it effective only on actively growing plants and unsuitable as a pre-emergence herbicide.
Roundup is sprayed on genetically engineered corn and soybeans, and also on oats and other grains as a desiccant just before harvest to make the process of harvesting cheaper and easier. This use of Roundup has been linked to high levels of glyphosate in oat-based foods.
The safety of glyphosate has been a subject of debate, with regulatory bodies worldwide approving its use, but concerns about its effects on humans and the environment have persisted. The Environmental Working Group (EWG), for instance, maintains that glyphosate levels in Cheerios and other breakfast cereals are above safe levels. However, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States has determined that glyphosate is unlikely to be a human carcinogen and that there are no risks to human health when used according to its current label.
In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified glyphosate as "probably carcinogenic to humans". This has been contested by the EPA and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which found that glyphosate levels in tested food products were within safe limits. The debate around glyphosate's safety continues, with court cases in the United States arguing that exposure to glyphosate in herbicides has caused cancer, resulting in significant payouts by defendant Bayer.
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Glyphosate is probably carcinogenic to humans
In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified glyphosate, the active ingredient in many weed killers, as "probably carcinogenic to humans". This conclusion was based on eight animal carcinogenicity studies. Glyphosate has been linked to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, with two patients awarded tens of millions of dollars in damages in court cases against Monsanto, the manufacturer of Roundup, a popular weedkiller containing glyphosate.
However, the herbicide's manufacturers have stood by their product, stating that "the extensive body of science indicates that [glyphosate-based herbicide] Roundup® does not cause cancer". They further assert that their glyphosate-based herbicides are "among the most rigorously studied products of their kind" and that "four decades of science support their safety and [assert] that they are not carcinogenic".
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not agree with the IARC's conclusion, deeming glyphosate "unlikely to be a human carcinogen". The EPA considered a significantly more extensive and relevant dataset than the IARC, including 15 acceptable carcinogenicity studies. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also cited the EPA's finding, noting that glyphosate levels in food products were within EPA standards. As a result, two of the main regulatory bodies concerned with consumer product safety have determined that foods containing trace amounts of glyphosate residue are unlikely to cause cancer when eaten in normal amounts. The EPA's conclusion is consistent with other international expert panels and regulatory authorities, including those in Canada, Australia, Europe, Germany, New Zealand, and Japan.
Despite these assurances, some organizations, including the Environmental Working Group (EWG), continue to raise concerns about the glyphosate levels in certain foods, such as Cheerios, potentially being above safe limits. They argue that just because something is legal, doesn't mean it's safe, and that government standards are often outdated and not based on the best and most current science. While there is no definitive proof that Cheerios cause cancer, the EWG recommends that families switch to organic foods to minimize overall pesticide exposure.
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General Mills has not banned its farmers from using glyphosate
There has been some controversy surrounding the presence of glyphosate in Cheerios, with some people calling for General Mills to ban its farmers from using the chemical. Glyphosate is an herbicide and the main ingredient in Monsanto's Roundup, a widely used weed killer. It is also used as a desiccant, a drying agent sprayed on oats and other grains just before harvest to make the process cheaper and easier.
Despite these assurances, some organizations, including the Environmental Working Group (EWG), argue that glyphosate levels in Cheerios are above safe limits. They advise families to switch to organic foods to minimize overall pesticide exposure. The EWG also points out that food companies are becoming more aware that consumers demand food free from toxic pesticide residues. They suggest that companies can simply ask farmers to stop using Roundup as a desiccant, which will immediately lower glyphosate levels in children's foods.
It is important to note that the risk of cancer from glyphosate exposure is likely dependent on the dose. An average-sized person would need to eat thousands of servings of Cheerios every day to ingest a comparable amount of glyphosate to those who come in direct contact with it and are at increased risk for cancer. While General Mills has not banned glyphosate use, it is worth considering the potential health risks and the availability of alternative options when making dietary choices.
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Other breakfast options are available
While Cheerios and other breakfast cereals are a convenient and seemingly healthy option, they have been found to contain small amounts of glyphosate, a herbicide used in the weed killer Roundup. This has sparked concerns about the potential health risks associated with consuming these products, especially for children. It is important to note that the debate around the safety of glyphosate is ongoing, with conflicting conclusions from different regulatory agencies.
So, what other breakfast options are available? Here are some suggestions for nutritious alternatives to Cheerios and other breakfast cereals:
- Oats: Oats are a great source of fiber and can be prepared in a variety of ways, such as overnight oats, baked oatmeal, or homemade granola. Toppings like nut butter, fresh or dried fruit, yogurt, nuts, and seeds can add flavour and extra nutritional value.
- Eggs: Eggs are a high-protein option that can be prepared in multiple ways, such as omelets, scrambled, fried, or boiled. They can also be made into egg muffins or bites for a portable breakfast option.
- Smoothies: Blend your choice of water, dairy milk, or non-dairy milk with nuts, bananas, berries, or other fruits and vegetables for a tasty and nutritious breakfast. Adding protein powder can increase the protein content and promote fullness.
- Whole grain toast: Opt for whole grain bread instead of white toast, which is typically made from refined flour and has added sugar. Top with avocado, nut butter, or a spread of your choice.
- Greek yogurt: Plain Greek yogurt is a high-protein option that can be paired with fruit, nuts, or honey. It can also be used in baking to add moisture and protein.
- Breakfast burritos: Make your own breakfast burritos with eggs, spinach, peppers, and cheese. These can be made ahead of time and frozen for busy mornings.
- Quick breads: Zucchini bread, pumpkin bread, and banana bread are tasty options that can be made ahead of time and frozen. Top with Greek yogurt and seasonal fruit for a more filling breakfast.
- Breakfast cookies: For a sweet breakfast option, try making no-bake breakfast cookies with oats, nut butter, chia seeds, and dried fruit. These are a great portable breakfast choice.
- Savory options: If you prefer savory breakfasts, try making a breakfast grain bowl with black beans, roasted broccoli, and beets, or a breakfast taco with eggs and vegetables.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no evidence that Cheerios contain plastic. However, in 2024, General Mills was urged to take plastics out of Cheerios, soup, pasta, and canned corn. The claim was based on the presence of 'phalates', which are released when food comes into contact with plastic.
Cheerios and many other cereals and grain-based products contain small amounts of an herbicide called glyphosate, which is one of the main ingredients in the widely used weed killer Roundup.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified glyphosate as "probably carcinogenic to humans". However, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have determined that glyphosate is "unlikely to be a human carcinogen". Regulatory bodies have stated that glyphosate residue in foods is unlikely to cause cancer when consumed in normal amounts.
