Do we need to worry about Glyphosate in our food?

Glyphosate, commonly known as the active ingredient in the herbicide Roundup, has become a topic of significant concern among health experts, environmentalists, and consumers alike. This chemical is used extensively in agriculture to control weeds, but its pervasive presence in our food supply raises questions about its safety and the implications for our health.

What is Glyphosate?

Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum herbicide that kills plants by inhibiting an enzyme essential for plant growth. It's favoured for its effectiveness and versatility, being applied to a vast array of crops like corn, soybeans, and even as a pre-harvest desiccant on wheat to facilitate easier harvesting. However, its widespread use has led to unintended consequences, particularly concerning human health.

In the US, Glyphosate was found in 39 out of 44 restaurant food samples tested at chains like Panera Bread, Dunkin' Donuts, Papa John's, McDonalds, Olive Garden, and more. The highest glyphosate levels were found in conventional “Whole Grain” or “Multigrain” foods, usually considered to be a healthy choice by consumers.

In Australia, comprehensive testing of fast foods specifically for glyphosate residues has not been extensively reported. However, the 25th Australian Total Diet Study (ATDS) conducted by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) assessed glyphosate levels in various foods, including cereal-based products such as bread, biscuits, breakfast cereals, and infant cereals. The study found that all detected levels were well below the Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) set by the Food Standards Code.

So, Is Glyphosate Safe?

There's an ongoing debate about whether any level of glyphosate, or other pesticides, can truly be considered "safe." 

There are concerns about the effects of chronic, low-dose exposure to glyphosate, especially on vulnerable populations (e.g., pregnant women, children), which are not fully addressed by current risk assessment models.

Emerging research also suggests that glyphosate might act as an endocrine disruptor, potentially causing health effects at doses far below established MRLs. These effects are not accounted for in traditional toxicological studies.

Some studies have linked glyphosate exposure to health conditions like non-Hodgkin lymphoma (though causation remains contested), raising questions about the adequacy of current MRLs.

Given the contentious nature of this topic, it’s clear that while MRLs provide a regulatory benchmark, their "safety" may be relative and dependent on evolving scientific evidence.

Health Concerns Associated with Glyphosate

1. Carcinogenic Potential

Perhaps the most contentious issue surrounding glyphosate is its potential to cause cancer. While regulatory bodies like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have concluded that glyphosate is "not likely to be carcinogenic to humans," other organisations, like the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), classify it as "probably carcinogenic to humans." Studies, particularly those focusing on agricultural workers with high exposure, have linked glyphosate to non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

2. Endocrine Disruption

There's growing evidence suggesting that glyphosate might act as an endocrine disruptor. This means it could interfere with hormonal systems in the body, potentially leading to developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune system issues.

3. Gut Health

Glyphosate has been implicated in disrupting the gut microbiome. It's known to have antibacterial properties which, while beneficial for weed control, could adversely affect the beneficial bacteria in our intestines. This disruption might contribute to conditions like leaky gut syndrome, inflammation, and related autoimmune disorders.

4. Neurotoxicity

Research has started to explore glyphosate's effects on brain health. Some studies indicate that it might contribute to neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's or Alzheimer's due to its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and induce oxidative stress.

Why Avoid Glyphosate In Your Diet

1. Precautionary Principle

Given the conflicting scientific reports, adopting a precautionary approach by limiting exposure to glyphosate seems prudent. The risk of long-term health effects, particularly cancer, might be small, but when safer alternatives exist, why take the chance?

2. Organic and Non-GMO Options

Organic foods are not just about avoiding pesticides like glyphosate but also about supporting more sustainable agricultural practices. Choosing organic or non-GMO products can significantly reduce glyphosate ingestion. 

3. Supporting Healthier Farming Practices

By choosing foods free of glyphosate, consumers can drive demand for farming methods that might be less reliant on chemical interventions, promoting regenerative agriculture that enhances soil health, supports biodiversity, and reduces chemical run-off into waterways.

 

Notable Legal Cases Against Glyphosate

1. Dewayne Johnson v. Monsanto Co. (2018)

In the first major case, a California jury awarded $289 million to Dewayne Johnson, a groundskeeper who claimed that Roundup caused his Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. 

2. Alva and Alberta Pilliod v. Monsanto Co. (2019)

A California jury awarded over $2 billion to a couple alleging that long-term Roundup use led to their cancers. 

3. Edwin Hardeman v. Monsanto Co. (2019)

A federal jury awarded $80 million to Edwin Hardeman, who claimed Roundup caused his Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. 

4. Settlements and Ongoing Litigation

In June 2020, Bayer agreed to pay up to $10.9 billion to settle approximately 125,000 U.S. lawsuits alleging that Roundup causes cancer. This settlement did not include three cases that had already gone to trial and were under appeal.

5. Australian Cases

Australia (2024): A class-action lawsuit involving over 800 plaintiffs claimed that Roundup caused NHL. The Federal Court dismissed the case, citing insufficient evidence to prove that glyphosate increased the risk of developing Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Our Conclusion About Glyphosate

While glyphosate's effects on human health are still under debate, the potential risks associated with its widespread application in agriculture are compelling reasons for caution. By choosing to avoid foods with traces of glyphosate, you not only safeguard your health but also contribute to a movement towards healthier, more sustainable food production.

At Chief, we're pedantic about our own health and make products we want to eat ourselves, and feed to our families. This means we care about avoiding Glyphosate in all our products. Our beef bars, biltong and organ meat supplements are raised exclusively on pasture and not fed feed which means they're not exposed to crops which may be sprayed with Glyphosate. This applies to our grass-fed collagen powders and collagen bars too, but we also test them to confirm they're free from Glyphosate and heavy metals.