Toxic Pesticide Found in Cheerios and Quaker Oats: What You Need to Know

A recent study by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) suggests that Cheerios and Quaker Oats may contain chlormequat, a pesticide associated with infertility in animals.

Despite not being approved for use in food grown within the United States, researchers discovered chlormequat in 77 out of 96 urine samples collected between 2017 and 2023, with a notable increase in concentration observed in 2023. Additionally, EWG's findings from last year indicated the presence of chlormequat in 92% of oat-based foods tested, including popular brands like Cheerios and Quaker Oats.

While chlormequat is not directly applied to crops in the U.S., its presence in wheat products and egg powder can result from high temperatures during food processing. Since 2018, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has permitted the importation of oats, wheat, barley, and certain animal products treated with chlormequat, even raising the allowable limit of the pesticide in oats in 2020.

General Mills, the manufacturer of Cheerios, asserts that its products comply with all regulatory requirements, according to a spokesperson's statement to Verywell. Alexis Temkin, PhD, a senior toxicologist at EWG and lead author of the study, stresses the need for continued monitoring of chlormequat in food and its potential impact on human health, citing concerns raised by animal studies.

While studies on humans are lacking, research on animals has shown adverse effects of chlormequat on reproductive health and hormone levels. Although the EPA considers current levels of chlormequat safe based on animal studies, concerns persist regarding its potential impact on human health.

Toxic Chemical Chlormequat Found In Cheerios and Quaker Oats

To minimize exposure to chlormequat, consumers can opt for USDA Certified Organic products, as organic oats are cultivated without the use of most synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. However, the EWG study indicates that even some organic oat-based foods may contain traces of chlormequat, underlining the need for continued vigilance in food choices.