Maya Ellison
There has been a lot of debate surrounding the popular breakfast cereal Cheerios, with many people asking whether it contains plastic. The concerns are mainly focused on the presence of glyphosate, a widely used herbicide and main ingredient in the weed killer Roundup, which has been linked to an increased risk of cancer. While regulatory agencies disagree on the health risks posed by glyphosate, with some claiming that the levels in Cheerios are too low to be harmful, others argue that these levels are still above the safe limit.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cancer risk | There is no definitive proof that Cheerios cause cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classified glyphosate as "probably carcinogenic to humans" in 2015, but the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have determined that glyphosate is "unlikely to be a human carcinogen" and that food products containing trace amounts of glyphosate residue are unlikely to cause cancer when eaten in normal amounts. |
| Glyphosate content | Cheerios and many other cereals and grain-based products contain small amounts of glyphosate, a widely used herbicide and the main ingredient in the weed killer Roundup. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) maintains that glyphosate levels in Cheerios are above safe levels, but some regulatory agencies contend that the levels are too low to pose a health risk. |
| Nutritional value | Cheerios are affordable, shelf-stable, accessible, and a good source of iron and fiber. However, some sources argue that Cheerios are not a nutritional food and should not be fed to children. |
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What You'll Learn
Glyphosate in Cheerios is linked to cancer
Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide and the main ingredient in the weed killer Roundup. It is sprayed on oat crops and, as a result, can remain on the grains as they are processed into Cheerios and other products.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) found glyphosate in Honey Nut Cheerios Medley Crunch and Original Cheerios at levels that were more than four-and-a-half and five times, respectively, what the group considers safe. The EWG considers any cereal with a glyphosate level of more than 160 parts per billion to be unsafe. The group's benchmark for glyphosate is set at a dose expected to cause no more than one case of cancer in every 1 million people who ingest it over a lifetime.
In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified glyphosate as "probably carcinogenic to humans". However, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have determined that glyphosate is "unlikely to be a human carcinogen". They noted that glyphosate levels in food products were within EPA standards, and that food containing trace amounts of glyphosate residue is unlikely to cause cancer when eaten in normal amounts.
While there is no definitive proof that glyphosate causes cancer, the chemical has been tentatively linked to cancer, and some organizations maintain that glyphosate levels in Cheerios are above safe levels. However, the agencies that oversee food safety in the United States have not recommended against the consumption of Cheerios.
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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. Roundup is one of the most popular weed killers in the world, used by farmers and homeowners in fields, lawns, and gardens. The key ingredient in Roundup is glyphosate, a compound with a molecular structure similar to the amino acid glycine.
Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum herbicide that targets a wide range of weeds. It is important in the production of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and glyphosate-resistant crops such as corn and soybean. It is effective at managing invasive and noxious weeds and can be used for no-till and low-till farming, which can reduce soil erosion. Glyphosate is absorbed through foliage and translocated to growing points, where it inhibits the plant enzyme EPSP synthase, disrupting the synthesis of three aromatic amino acids: tyrosine, tryptophan, and phenylalanine.
While glyphosate-based herbicides like Roundup have been approved by regulatory bodies worldwide, concerns about their effects on human health and the environment have been raised. Some studies have linked glyphosate exposure to serious health issues, including cancer. In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified glyphosate as "probably carcinogenic to humans." However, other regulatory bodies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have determined that glyphosate is "unlikely to be a human carcinogen" when used in accordance with its current label.
The debate around glyphosate's safety has led to legal challenges and label changes. In 2019, the sale, distribution, and use of Roundup 360 were banned in France, with exemptions for many farmers. In the United States, plaintiffs in several court cases have argued that their cancer was caused by exposure to glyphosate in Monsanto/Bayer's glyphosate-based herbicides, resulting in significant payouts by defendant Bayer. However, Bayer has also successfully defended against some of these claims.
While the health effects of glyphosate exposure are still a matter of debate, it is important to follow safety guidelines when working with Roundup or similar products, such as wearing gloves and minimizing exposure.
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Glyphosate is a toxin that negatively affects gut health
Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide and the main ingredient in Roundup, a popular weed killer. It is often sprayed on crops such as wheat, legumes, corn, and soy, which means that it may remain on the grains as they are processed into food products. Cheerios, a popular breakfast cereal, has been found to contain small amounts of glyphosate. While the direct toxicity of glyphosate has been considered when setting acceptable daily intake levels, its indirect effects on gut health have been largely overlooked.
The human gut microbiome is home to two types of bacteria: beneficial ("good") bacteria that promote digestive health, improve immune response, and boost overall well-being; and pathogenic ("bad") bacteria that can negatively impact emotional, physical, and mental health. Glyphosate targets and inhibits the growth of beneficial bacteria, creating space for pathogenic bacteria to multiply and leading to a gut imbalance known as dysbiosis. This disruption of the gut microbiome can have far-reaching consequences for overall health.
Several studies have found that chronic exposure to glyphosate-based herbicides can induce adverse health outcomes. Animal studies, including those using rodent models, have shown that glyphosate exposure can alter the gut microbiome, leading to an increase in opportunistic pathogens and a decrease in beneficial bacteria. This alteration of the gut microbiome can result in digestive issues and impact the endocrine, immune, and nervous systems. Additionally, study participants exposed to glyphosate were more likely to develop neurological disorders such as ADD/ADHD, autism, Parkinson's Disease, and Alzheimer's Syndrome.
Glyphosate exposure has also been linked to a condition known as "leaky gut," where the gut lining becomes damaged, allowing toxic substances, including bad bacteria and undigested food particles, to enter the body and cause harm. While the direct toxicity of glyphosate may not affect mammalian cells, its indirect effects on the gut and overall health are significant. It is important to note that the level and quality of evidence regarding glyphosate's effects on the gut microbiome vary, with some studies in rats suggesting only a limited impact. However, the potential risks to human health warrant further investigation and consideration when updating safety recommendations.
To minimize the risk of glyphosate exposure, consumers can choose organic products made with ingredients that have not been treated with herbicides and pesticides. Additionally, being proactive about gut health by consuming probiotics can help strengthen the colonies of good bacteria in the gut microbiome.
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$60.8 $70.26
The amount of glyphosate in Cheerios is debated
The amount of glyphosate in Cheerios has been a subject of debate among health experts, regulatory bodies, and consumer groups. Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum herbicide commonly sprayed on crops pre-planting or on crops genetically modified to resist it. It is also the main ingredient in the widely used weed killer Roundup.
In 2018, an environmental advocacy group found traces of glyphosate in popular breakfast cereals like Cheerios, with the highest levels recorded in Honey Nut Cheerios Medley Crunch (833 parts per billion) and Cheerios Toasted Whole Grain Oat Cereal (729 parts per billion). These levels are significantly below the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) legal limit for oats of 30,000 parts per billion. The EPA has determined that glyphosate is "unlikely to be a human carcinogen," and this position is supported by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which found glyphosate levels in tested food products to be within EPA standards.
However, the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a non-profit organization, considers any cereal with a glyphosate level of more than 160 parts per billion to be unsafe. They argue that the government standards are outdated and not based on the most current science. EWG's benchmark for glyphosate is set at a level that is expected to cause no more than one case of cancer in every 100,000 people, with an additional 10-fold safety factor for children. While there is no definitive proof that Cheerios cause cancer, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified glyphosate as "probably carcinogenic to humans" in 2015. This classification is based on limited evidence of a positive association between glyphosate and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, as well as DNA damage in cultured human cells.
While the link between glyphosate and cancer remains debated, it is important to note that the levels of glyphosate found in Cheerios are relatively low, and the consumption of these cereals in normal doses is not likely to pose a significant health risk. Nonetheless, consumers concerned about their exposure to glyphosate can opt for organic products made with ingredients that have not been exposed to herbicides and pesticides.
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Cheerios is not a nutritional food
There is no evidence to suggest that Cheerios contain plastic. However, there is some debate about the nutritional value of Cheerios. While Cheerios are primarily made from whole grain oats, which provide more nutrients than refined grains, they are also a processed food. This means that eating Cheerios too often may have negative consequences on your health. Some Cheerios varieties are loaded with sugar, which further diminishes their nutritional value.
Cheerios contain whole grains and nutrients like vitamin D and iron. Three grams of soluble fiber daily from whole grain oat foods, like Cheerios, in a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease. Cheerios provide 1.5 grams per serving. Cheerios are also a good source of calcium and fiber and provide 11 vitamins and minerals, with no artificial flavors or colors.
However, it's important to note that Cheerios are not a complete source of nutrition. While they can be a healthy and nutritious part of a diet, they should be balanced with other nutrient-rich foods to meet your body's needs. For example, you may want to pair them with a source of protein to make a more balanced meal. It's also best to avoid or limit your intake of the high-sugar options and choose low-sugar varieties like plain or multigrain instead.
Additionally, there has been some concern about the presence of glyphosate in Cheerios, which is an herbicide used as the main ingredient in the widely used weed killer Roundup. While regulatory agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have determined that the levels of glyphosate in Cheerios are too low to pose a health risk, other organizations like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) disagree and maintain that glyphosate levels are above safe levels. There is no definitive proof that Cheerios cause cancer, but it's important to be aware of this ongoing debate and make informed decisions about your diet.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Cheerios do not contain plastic. However, they do contain trace amounts of glyphosate, a herbicide used in weed killers such as Roundup.
The health risks of glyphosate are debated. While some regulatory agencies argue that the levels of glyphosate in Cheerios are too low to pose a significant health risk, other organizations, including the Environmental Working Group (EWG), claim that glyphosate levels are above safe limits. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified glyphosate as "probably carcinogenic to humans," but the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have determined that it is "unlikely to be a human carcinogen."
It is not necessary to throw out your Cheerios or other oat-based foods due to glyphosate concerns. Oat-based foods are still a healthy source of fiber and nutrients. However, if you want to reduce your glyphosate intake, consider choosing organic products made with ingredients that have not been exposed to herbicides and pesticides.
