It may sound like an exaggeration, but if you’re reaching for that glass of orange juice or a bowl of cereal in the morning, there’s a chance you’re consuming glyphosate—the main ingredient in the popular weed killer Roundup. Glyphosate has been the subject of heated debate for years and for good reason. Studies have shown that this chemical, the most widely used herbicide in the world, is turning up in foods we consume daily, including juices, grains, and even honey.
But what exactly is glyphosate, and why should we be concerned about it? More importantly, how did this chemical find its way into so much of our food? Let’s deeply dive into glyphosate, why it’s dangerous, and how to protect yourself and your family from its widespread presence in our food supply.
What is Glyphosate?
Glyphosate is the active ingredient in Roundup, a widely used herbicide developed by Monsanto (now owned by Bayer). Farmers around the globe use it to kill weeds, especially in genetically modified crops like corn, soy, and wheat. Over the years, its use has expanded dramatically, becoming the number-one herbicide used worldwide.[1]
While glyphosate may help farmers manage weeds more effectively, it’s also causing widespread contamination in our food supply. Residue from glyphosate has been found in a range of products that most people consume regularly, including:
- Juices
- Wheat products (bread, pasta, cereal)
- Corn and soy products
- Even honey
Glyphosate’s widespread use in industrial farming means traces of this herbicide are entering our food alarmingly high levels. And while regulators have set so-called “safe limits” for glyphosate residue, many researchers argue that even low levels of exposure over time can have serious health consequences.
The Health Risks of Glyphosate Exposure
Glyphosate has been linked to a range of serious health issues, raising concerns about its presence in the food we eat daily. One of the most alarming findings is its link to cancer. In 2015, the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified glyphosate as a “probable human carcinogen.”[2] Several studies have suggested that long-term exposure to glyphosate increases the risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system.[3]
But cancer isn’t the only health risk associated with glyphosate. Here are a few other ways glyphosate may negatively impact human health:
- Neurological Damage: Research has shown that glyphosate may contribute to neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s. It’s believed that glyphosate can cross the blood-brain barrier, leading to damage in the nervous system over time.[4]
- Endocrine Disruption: Glyphosate has been shown to interfere with the body’s hormone systems, particularly thyroid hormones and reproductive hormones. Endocrine disruption can lead to a variety of health issues, including developmental delays, fertility problems, and metabolic disorders.[5]
- Gut Health: There is growing concern about glyphosate’s impact on gut health. Glyphosate acts as an antibiotic, killing the weeds it’s intended to target and the beneficial bacteria in our digestive systems. Disruption of gut bacteria can lead to many problems, including weakened immunity, inflammation, and digestive disorders.[6]
Glyphosate’s Impact on the Environment
Glyphosate isn’t just a health issue for humans. Its widespread use is also having a devastating effect on the environment. One of the most well-known impacts is the harm it causes to bees. Honeybees play a crucial role in pollinating crops, yet glyphosate has been shown to damage their microbiome, weakening their immune systems and making them more vulnerable to disease. This has contributed to the ongoing crisis of declining bee populations, which in turn threatens global food production.
Glyphosate also threatens soil health and biodiversity. By killing plants indiscriminately, it disrupts the natural balance of ecosystems, reducing biodiversity and harming wildlife. This has a ripple effect throughout the food chain, affecting everything from insects to larger animals.
Why Is Glyphosate Still Being Used?
With so much evidence pointing to the dangers of glyphosate, you might wonder why it’s still so widely used. The answer, unfortunately, lies in the powerful influence of agribusiness corporations like Bayer and Monsanto. These companies are vested in keeping glyphosate on the market, as it’s a critical part of their business model.
In recent years, Bayer has faced a flood of lawsuits from people who claim that their exposure to Roundup caused cancer. While Bayer has paid billions of dollars in settlements, the company continues to defend glyphosate’s safety and has made little effort to pursue alternatives.
It’s frustrating for consumers who want to protect their health and the environment, but there are ways to reduce exposure to glyphosate, even if these companies won’t take responsibility.
How to Reduce Your Exposure to Glyphosate
While it’s nearly impossible to avoid glyphosate entirely—thanks to its widespread use—you can take steps to minimize your exposure and reduce the risk it poses to your health.
1. Choose Organic Foods
One of the most effective ways to limit your exposure to glyphosate is by choosing organic produce and products. Organic farming practices prohibit synthetic herbicides like glyphosate, which means organic foods are far less likely to contain residues of this chemical. Opt for organic versions of high-risk foods like grains, corn, and soy products whenever possible.
2. Support Glyphosate-Free Brands
More and more food brands are becoming aware of the dangers of glyphosate and are committed to ensuring their products are free from this chemical. Look for brands that proudly advertise their products as “glyphosate-free” or certified by organizations like the Detox Project, which tests for glyphosate residues in food products.
3. Filter Your Water
Glyphosate can find its way into water supplies through agricultural runoff, so investing in a high-quality water filtration system is a good idea. Some filters are designed specifically to remove chemicals like glyphosate, helping to ensure that your drinking water is as clean as possible.
4. Advocate for Change
If you’re concerned about glyphosate, consider joining the movement to ban or limit its use. Advocacy groups are working hard to push for more stringent glyphosate regulations and raise awareness about its dangers. Supporting these efforts can help accelerate the shift away from glyphosate in agriculture.
Final Thoughts: Protecting Your Health in a Contaminated Food System
Glyphosate’s presence in our food system is troubling, to say the least. With links to cancer, neurological damage, and environmental destruction, it’s a chemical that should give all of us pause. While large agribusinesses continue to defend their use, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your family from its harmful effects.
By making mindful choices—such as eating organic, supporting glyphosate-free brands, and filtering your water—you can reduce your exposure and lower your risk. Ultimately, staying informed and taking small actions can go a long way in safeguarding your health in a world where harmful chemicals like glyphosate are all too common.
References:
- Novotny, Eva. “Glyphosate, Roundup and the Failures of Regulatory Assessment.” Toxics, vol. 10, no. 6, June 2022, p. 321. PubMed Central.
- Williams, Gary M., et al. “A Review of the Carcinogenic Potential of Glyphosate by Four Independent Expert Panels and Comparison to the IARC Assessment.” Critical Reviews in Toxicology, vol. 46, no. sup1, Sept. 2016, pp. 3–20. DOI.org (Crossref), https://doi.org/10.1080/10408444.2016.1214677.
- Zhang, Luoping, et al. “Exposure to Glyphosate-Based Herbicides and Risk for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: A Meta-Analysis and Supporting Evidence.” Mutation Research, vol. 781, 2019, pp. 186–206. PubMed Central.
- Costas-Ferreira, Carmen, et al. “Toxic Effects of Glyphosate on the Nervous System: A Systematic Review.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences, vol. 23, no. 9, Apr. 2022, p. 4605. PubMed Central.
- De Araújo-Ramos, Anderson Tadeu, et al. “Controversies on Endocrine and Reproductive Effects of Glyphosate and Glyphosate-Based Herbicides: A Mini-Review.” Frontiers in Endocrinology, vol. 12, Mar. 2021, p. 627210. DOI.org (Crossref).
- Walsh, Lauren, et al. “Impact of Glyphosate (RoundupTM) on the Composition and Functionality of the Gut Microbiome.” Gut Microbes, vol. 15, no. 2, p. 2263935. PubMed Central.
