In a recent study published in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology and shared on Nature, it has been revealed that a chemical called chlormequat, which is banned for use on edible plants in the United States, has been found in popular breakfast cereals such as Cheerios and Quaker Oats. Astonishingly, the study also states that about 80% of Americans have been exposed to this chemical.
Chlormequat is a chloride salt registered for use on ornamental plants grown in greenhouses and nurseries, according to the National Library of Medicine. Although it is not approved for use on edible plants in the United States, it is allowed in other countries. Surprisingly, in 2018, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) even permitted the importation of plants treated with this chemical, as reported by the Environmental Working Group (EWG).
The food manufacturers have responded to this alarming discovery. Mollie Wulff, a spokesperson for General Mills, the company behind Cheerios, said they adhere to all regulatory requirements and prioritize food safety. Quaker Foods, the producer of Quaker Oats, has not yet provided a response.
Animal studies published by the National Library of Medicine have linked chlormequat to various reproductive issues, including reduced fertility, reproduction problems, delayed puberty, and impacted embryonic growth. The adverse effects of this chemical are also seen in postnatal health.
According to the EWG's report on the study, chlormequat was detected in 92% of oat-based foods purchased in May 2023, including popular products like Quaker Oats and Cheerios. The affected cereals included regular Cheerios, Honey Nut Cheerios, Cheerios Oat Crunch Oats n' Honey, and Frosted Cheerios. Quaker Old Fashioned Oats, Quaker Instant Oatmeal Maple & Brown Sugar, and oat-based bars like Quaker Chewy Dark Chocolate Chunk were also found to contain the chemical.
Disturbingly, both Cheerios and Quaker Oats products are popular among children. Cheerios is often considered a favorite first finger food by moms, while Quaker Oats promotes their products as great for toddlers and young kids being introduced to solid foods.
The study further uncovered that 80% of the tested individuals had the chemical present in their urine. Since chlormequat leaves the body within approximately 24 hours, these findings suggest regular exposure to this harmful substance.
These recent findings are not the first time Cheerios and Quaker Oats have come under scrutiny for potentially harmful substances in their products. In 2018, there were concerns about the presence of glyphosate, a controversial weed-killing pesticide linked to cancer, in their oat-based products. Both companies responded at the time, asserting the safety and quality of their products and emphasizing compliance with regulatory safety levels set by the EPA.
This latest revelation regarding chlormequat serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough and strict regulation of chemicals used in food production. It highlights the need for continuous monitoring and research to ensure the safety and well-being of consumers.
