Banned Chemical Found in Numerous U.S. Food Products

A recent study conducted by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) has revealed traces of the banned agricultural chemical chlormequat in urine samples collected from individuals across the United States.¹

This discovery has sparked concerns regarding the prevalence of this chemical in the food supply despite its restricted use within the country.

Chlormequat: A Plant Growth Regulator with Limited Use

Chlormequat is a plant growth regulator used in agriculture to enhance crop yield and facilitate harvesting. While its use is permitted in various countries, the U.S. only allows its application on ornamental plants, strictly prohibiting its use on food crops.^(ref) 

Chlormequat is frequently the most detected pesticide residue in grains and cereals in the UK^(ref) and European Union,^(ref) based on years of monitoring surveys.

In a statement released in 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is considering allowing the use of the pesticide chlormequat chloride on certain food crops to help farmers increase yields. Before this can happen, the EPA needs to set safe levels for the pesticide in barley, oats, triticale, and wheat. The public is invited to comment on this proposal.^(ref)

Widespread Presence in Urine Samples & Food Products

The EWG study detected chlormequat in a majority of urine samples collected between 2017 and 2023, suggesting continuous exposure to the chemical. 

Furthermore, chlormequat was found in numerous food products tested in 2022 and 2023, particularly in oat and wheat-based items, raising concerns about its prevalence in the food supply.

Uncertain Health Effects

While the study highlights the widespread presence of chlormequat, its impact on human health remains unclear. Some animal studies have indicated potential adverse effects on fertility, puberty, fetal development, and postnatal health, but conflicting results exist. 

The EWG is advocating for further research into the human health effects of chlormequat, especially as policymakers consider relaxing restrictions on its use.

Current Status

Chlormequat’s presence in imported foods and a recent proposal for domestic use have sparked significant debate.

• Banned for Domestic Use: Chlormequat is currently banned for use on food crops grown in the U.S. Its use is limited to ornamental plants in nurseries and greenhouses.
• Allowed in Imports: In 2018, the EPA made a controversial decision to allow the import of foods grown with chlormequat. This means that while it cannot be used by American farmers, it can still enter the U.S. food supply through imported grains.^(ref)
• Proposed Domestic Use: As mentioned above, the EPA has recently proposed allowing the use of chlormequat on domestic crops like oats, wheat, and barley. This proposal has ignited major concern among health advocates and environmental groups.

Safety Concerns for Public Health

Despite the concerns raised by the study, regulatory changes are being considered, such as increasing the allowable amounts of chlormequat in imported oats and potentially approving its use on US-grown crops. 

The EWG emphasizes the importance of robust monitoring and regulation of pesticides by government agencies like the EPA to safeguard public health, particularly in light of potential risks associated with chemicals like chlormequat in the food supply.

Source:

1. Nature