This week EWG released a second round of tests that found the active ingredient in Monsanto’s Roundup, glyphosate, in popular oat-based cereals and snacks marketed to children. All 28 Cheerio and Quaker brand samples tested positive for the toxic herbicide. EWG sent letters to the CEOs of PepsiCo and General Mills, the makers of the Cheerio and Quaker brands, respectively, demanding that they remove oats sprayed with glyphosate from their supply chains.
“How many bowls of cereal and oatmeal have American kids eaten that came with a dose of weed killer? That’s a question only General Mills, PepsiCo and other food companies can answer,” said EWG President Ken Cook. “But if those companies would just switch to oats that aren’t sprayed with glyphosate, parents wouldn’t have to wonder if their kids’ breakfasts contained a chemical linked to cancer. Glyphosate and other cancer-causing chemicals simply don’t belong in children’s food, period.”
Over on our Children’s Health site, we put these new test results into perspective for concerned parents.
EWG also broke down a groundbreaking study published in the American Medical Association journal this week that found those who adopt an organic diet have seen a greatly reduced risk of cancer compared to those who don’t. The study, conducted by French researchers, found that over four years, the subjects who adopted an organic diet were 25 percent less likely to develop cancer.
In the wake of news over the summer that the Trump EPA was dragging its feet on banning asbestos outright, imports of the toxic building material have exploded – increasing by nearly 2,000 percent between July and August.
Finally, with Halloween fast approaching, EWG picked 10 treats parents can feel less guilty about handing out to their kiddos and trick-or-treaters!
Here’s some news you can use going into the weekend.
Second Round of Glyphosate Testing
ABC News: EPA says no health risk from trace amounts of herbicide in breakfast cereals
An environmental advocacy group reports it has found small amounts of a herbicide in consumer foods including breakfast cereals, saying there is cause for concern even though the amount is within limits allowed by the Environmental Protection Agency. Just how much, if any, of the herbicide can be considered safe is a matter of long-running scientific and legal debate. The Environmental Working Group's standard for what's acceptable is, by far, the most conservative. Reprinted by 14 media outlets.
CBS Money Watch: Oat cereals, snack bars test positive for trace amounts of weed killer in Roundup
The latest tests by the Environmental Working Group, or EWG, detected glyphosate in all 28 samples of products made with conventionally grown oats. All but two of the 28 samples had levels of glyphosate above EWG's own health benchmark of 160 parts per billion, or ppb. Reprinted by 17 media outlets.
CBS This Morning: Cancer-linked chemical glyphosate found in more breakfast foods (VIDEO)
CNN: Dozens more breakfast foods test positive for trace amounts of weed killer, report says
Dozens of common breakfast cereals and snack bars have trace amounts of a controversial herbicide found in the weed killer Roundup, according to a report released today by an environmental advocacy group. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) found that 26 of the 28 products it tested had levels of Roundup's main ingredient, glyphosate, that were "higher than what EWG scientists consider protective of children's health." An earlier report found similar results in over thirty oat-based foods. CNN Wire story reprinted by 147 media outlets.
COX Media Group: Weed killer found in more breakfast cereals, snack bars, report says
The Environmental Working Group found 26 out of 28 products tested had glyphosate, or the main chemical herbicide found in Roundup, above the group’s benchmark. All samples, according to the EWG, tested positive for glyphosate, but two were under the 160 parts per billion limit set by EWG. Reprinted by 28 media outlets.
A report by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found that 26 of the 28 cereal, snack bar and oat products it tested had trace amounts of an herbicide found in a weed killer. This is the second round of testing EWG has done. Reprinted by 24 other media outlets.
At least 28 samples of popular oat-based cereals and snack bars made by popular household names — General Mills and Quaker — contained glyphosate, an active ingredient used in Monsanto’s Roundup weed killer, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) discovered in a new study released this week. Reprinted by the New York Post and 16 other media outlets.
The Environmental Working Group said Thursday that 26 of the 28 products it tested contained trace amounts of weed killer. Reprinted by NBC4 (Columbus, Ohio), ABC27 (Harrisburg, Penn.) and 5 other media outlets.
Ten weeks after the Environmental Working Group published a report that found the presence of a weed-killer in breakfast foods, a new round of tests is likely to generate additional concerns. Reprinted by SFGate, Insider, Business Insider Australia, Business Insider India, Danbury News Times, New Haven Register, Seattle Post Intelligencer, and 32 other media outlets.
Nonprofit organization the Environmental Working Group (EWG) claims that trace amounts of a common weed killer, Roundup, were found in 28 samples of oat-based breakfast cereals. Mic reports that the EWG published a preliminary report this past August that revealed traces of weed killer in common breakfast foods and snack bars. The current report now confirms the EWG’s previous findings.
Dozens of cereals, oatmeals and snack bars contain trace amounts of a weed killer that has been linked to cancer, a new report says. Released by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), the report found 26 of 28 oat-based cereal products that were tested had 'harmful' levels of glyphosate, the main ingredient of Roundup. Reprinted by New Zealand Herald.
Detroit Free Press: More weed killer found in breakfast cereals, snack bars, study shows
Glyphosate, the main ingredient in Roundup, was found in 26 of the 28 products the Environmental Working Group (EWG) tested, in levels “higher than what EWG scientists consider protective of children’s health.” Reprinted by USA Today, CBS2: WFMY (Greensboro, N.C.), CBS10: WTSP (Tampa, Fla.), and 117 other media outlets.
Glyphosate— the active ingredient in Monsanto's Roundup weedkiller—was found in all 28 samples of different cereals, oatmeal and snack bars tested by a lab for Environmental Working Group, according to a report released today.
Health: Weed Killer Could Be in Your Breakfast Cereal, New Report Shows
A new report by environmental advocacy group the Environmental Working Group (EWG) revealed many of our beloved breakfast cereals have trace amounts of glyphosate, a controversial herbicide that is the main ingredient in the weed killer Roundup.
Mic: A new report finds traces of Monsanto pesticide in kids’ breakfast foods
In August, the Environmental Working Group published a report revealing that traces of glyphosate, an herbicide that has been linked to cancer, was present in many popular oat-based breakfast foods, from brands including Cheerio’s, Lucky Charms and Nutrigrain.
People: Trace Amounts of Weed Killer Could Be in Your Breakfast Cereal, New Report Shows
Yep, you read that right. A new report by environmental advocacy group the Environmental Working Group (EWG) revealed many of our beloved breakfast cereals have trace amounts of glyphosate, a controversial herbicide that is the main ingredient in the weed killer Roundup.
POLITICO: EWG Goes Round 2 in Glyphosate Fight
The Environmental Working Group released today its second installment of research that found trace amounts of the herbicide glyphosate in common foods. The first report, released in August, sparked widespread media attention, as well as criticism, over its claims that breakfast foods popular with children contain trace amounts of the chemical and should therefore be avoided. Reprinted by AgriMarketing.
POPSUGAR: New Test Confirms 19 More Foods That Contain Weed-Killing Chemical Linked to Cancer
Back in August, a study conducted by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found that a number of breakfast foods and cereals may contain trace amounts of glyphosate, a commonly used weed-killing chemical found in Roundup products that has been linked to cancer.
Star Tribune: Herbicide found in Cheerios reignites debate on food safety
The Environmental Working Group (EWG), which uses science to advocate environmental policy changes, tested 28 food products containing oats. It found that all but two contained traces of the herbicide that is widely used on everything from food crops to backyard weeds. The levels, though, were far below the concentrations deemed unsafe by state and federal regulators. Reprinted by the Albuquerque Journal, The Gazette (Iowa City, Iowa), The Columbian and 6 other media outlets.
Tribune News Service: Roundup found in Cheerios reignites debate on food safety
The Environmental Working Group (EWG), which uses science to advocate environmental policy changes, tested 28 food products containing oats. It found that all but two contained traces of Roundup, an herbicide made by Monsanto that is widely used on everything from food crops to backyard weeds.
Yahoo! News: Experts warn Honey Nut Cheerios, Quaker Oats may contain weed killer
Two months after warning consumers that some food products may contain trace amounts of a weed-killing chemical linked to cancer called glyphosate, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) is back with an expanded warning. In a test, EWG took samples of 28 different oat-based cereals and oat-based foods that are meant for kids, and found the presence of the popular weed killer in all 28.
Glyphosate Verdict
The Sun News: Opinion – Dangers of herbicides and other chemicals
The verdict drew applause from environmental groups. “Monsanto made Roundup the Oxycontin of pesticides and now the addiction and damage they caused have come home to roost,” said Ken Cook, President of the Environmental Working Group, a U.S. environmental organization that researches toxic chemicals and advocates for corporate accountability.
Farm Bill
WYPR: Republicans in U.S. House Vote for a Ban on Bans of Pesticides
Emily Griffith is a policy attorney with the nonprofit Environmental Working Group, which has been tracking the legislation. “It’s probably worth noting that it’s about three words in this massive piece of legislation that would change so much for local government authority over pesticide laws,” she said. “So it’s just possible that it’s going under the radar.”
Daily Yonder: On Campaign Trail, Trump Pushes SNAP Work Requirements
Last week, a coalition of The Environmental Working Group, Food Policy Action, Food Research and Action Center (FRAC), National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC), Natural Resources Defense Council and Union of Concerned Scientists held an event in Washington, D.C., urging passage of the bipartisan Senate bill.
The Devil We Know
NBC2: WTAP (Parkersburg, WV): Film about DuPont, C8 premieres in Parkersburg
Those involved with the film say it’s time to talk about hidden toxic threats. “It’s a story of a failure of a company,” said Ken Cook, president of the Environmental Working Group.
The Parkersburg News & Sentinel: Smoot Theatre screening C8 documentary this evening
Hawkins and Brownfield worked with representatives of the movie, the Environmental Working Group, and Executive Director Felice Jorgeson at the Smoot Theatre to bring “The Devil We Know” to Parkersburg. Marketing agents with “The Devil We Know” earlier this year said they were interested in a venue in Parkersburg.
Environmental Protection Agency and Lead
Los Angeles Times: Never mind the facts. White House says it gets an A+ on environmental issues
“Like meat bees on baloney, the pollution lobby has swarmed the Trump administration from its inception,” said Ken Cook, president of Environmental Working Group, an advocacy organization. “No number of press releases and statements by Mr. Wheeler or others claiming environmental and public health protection is a ‘top priority’ for this administration can change that indisputable fact,” he told me.
Asbestos
Quartz: The US imported more asbestos in August than it has in years
The uptick between July and August was first surfaced by the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit that advocates on environmental health issues, and the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization. But our own analysis, with a longer view of the data, suggests it is too soon to declare that asbestos is making a comeback.
Asbestos.com: U.S. Asbestos Imports Surge in August, Report Finds
The amount of raw chrysotile asbestos imported into the United States increased significantly between July and August, according to a recent analysis from the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization and the Environmental Working Group.
Conducted by the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) and Environmental Working Group (EWG), the analysis found that "the U.S. imported more than 341 metric tons of asbestos" last year, with imports expected to double in 2018 thanks to the Trump administration's aggressive and deeply harmful deregulatory agenda.
Common Dreams: Asbestos Imports Surge as Trump White House Moves to Keep Deadly Carcinogen Legal
Asbestos imports to the U.S. soared by nearly 2,000 percent between July and August, according to federal import data analyzed by the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) and Environmental Working Group. Reprint of EWG news release.
Legal Scoops: Asbestos Imports Surge as White House Moves to Keep the Carcinogen Legal
Asbestos imports to the United States surged by nearly 2,000% between July and August, according to data from the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization and Environmental Working Group.
YubaNet: Asbestos Imports Surge as Trump White House Moves to Keep Deadly Carcinogen Legal
Asbestos imports to the U.S. soared by nearly 2,000 percent between July and August, according to federal import data analyzed by the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) and Environmental Working Group.
Body Burden
Vogue India: These natural skincare brands are making clean beauty the new cool
Even more staggering, the Environmental Working Group found an average of 200 industrial chemicals and pollutants in the umbilical cord of newborn babies!
Charleston Gazette-Mail: WV Culinary Team – October a reminder to tend to our inner gardens
Reduce your toxic load. Choose filtered water and organic food and always opt for high-quality animal sources like wild salmon and grass-fed beef. Become more aware of how things like household cleaners and cosmetics can increase your toxic load. Visit ewg.org to see lists for safe foods and products.
MindBodyGreen: 6 Science-Backed Things You Can Do To Reduce Your Risk Of Breast Cancer
As Sonya Lunder, MPH, wrote in an article for the Environmental Working Group, an activist group that specializes in research and advocacy for environmental health issues, "Once disputed as a contributor to breast cancer, environmental pollutants are now known to play a significant role. Chemicals in our food, water, and homes can alter DNA and gene expression to change the way breast cells develop, making tissues susceptible to cancer."
BPA
Eat This, Not That: 20 Healthy Pantry Staples That Belong in Every Kitchen
According to a report by the Environmental Working Group, more than 16,000 canned food and beverage items contain BPA, one of which is Progresso’s Chicken Noodle. Sub out your tin can for boxed Pacific Organic soup, which is not only BPA-free but is also made with simple ingredients and is low in sodium.
Chlorpyrifos
HuffPost: Bombshell New Study Calls For Ban On Pesticide Family Tied To Brain Damage In Kids
In a letter to Pruitt at the time, the American Academy of Pediatrics, a leading organization of pediatricians, and the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit advocacy group, said the move “puts all children at risk.”
Cleaners
Newsmax: Hidden Dangers of Household Disinfectants Include Weight Gain
Look for natural cleaning products. Not only are they less likely to kill healthy bacteria, they have fewer dangerous chemicals. The Environmental Working Group has an excellent guide to healthy cleaning products.
Cosmetics
New Beauty: How Easy Is It to Make the Switch to 'Cleaner' Living?
The Environmental Working Group strongly associates clean with non-toxic: a term well-understood and defined in the medical community.
Skin Deep® Cosmetics Database
Bustle: 17 Non-Toxic Beauty Products I Used During My Cancer Treatment
But thanks to apps like Think Dirty and toxic-rating scales like EWG Skin Deep, it's easier than ever to educate yourself on which clean products are authentic. The knowledge isn't all in the apps of course: They're a good starting point, but you should always check with your dermatologist and oncologist to ensure that testing out new products or beauty regimens will not interfere with your treatment in any way — even if they're natural or non-toxic.
Fire Retardants
MSN: The Dangerous Places in Your Home That May Give You Cancer
A study showed that all 22 mothers and 26 children tested were exposed to TDCIPP, a likely carcinogen, according to EWG. People end up with fire retardants in their bodies mainly by inhaling or swallowing dust which hides in sofas, mattresses and other furniture.
Healthy Living App
Beauty and Wellbeing: Going Skin Deep into EWG’s Healthy Living App
One of their most ingenious innovations for breeding a culture of informed consumers is the Healthy Living App, which can tell you what exactly there is inside your favorite fruits or skin products at just the touch of a button. BWB had the chance to sit down with Carla Burns, EWG Research Analyst, and learn how to navigate the app, be kinder to the environment, and take better care of ourselves and our loved ones.
Medical Health News: Is BPA Safe? Endocrine Society Addresses FDA Position on Commercial BPA Use
The Environmental Working Group's Healthy Living smartphone application is a good resource for patients to help navigate the grocery store for safer products. Reprinted by the Endocrinology Advisor.
Meat Eater’s Guide to Climate Change + Health
Patch (California): 10 Best Foods Proven to Harm Your Health : Nutrition
Environmental Working Group shares even more terrifying findings: Some deli meats contain nitrites and nitrates to enhance the color and flavor of the meat, and these chemical additives have been linked to various cancers.
Meat Label Decoder
Everyday Health: Most Burger Chains Lack Strict Policies for Antibiotic Use in Their Beef
But labels on packages can be confusing, and even when they sound good, they may be misleading. The Environmental Working Group has a handy Label Decoder for meat, which lays out exactly what label lingo means. For instance, in order to receive the American Grassfed Association label, the Food Alliance Certified-Grassfed label, or the Global Animal Partnership label, the meat cannot have been produced using antibiotics.
Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce™
CBS4: WCCO (Minneapolis, Md.): When Should You Buy Organic?
Peterson says when choosing organic produce, she looks to what the Environmental Working Group calls the “Dirty Dozen.” That is produce found with the highest levels of pesticide residue, based on USDA testing. Generally, those are foods that have thinner skins or skins that humans consume.
FOX2: WJBK (Detroit, Mich.): Study found less cancer in those who eat organic foods
Let's say you want to buy some organic foods, but which ones? The Environmental Working Group a nonprofit organization releases an annual list of the Dirty Dozen, the list of foods with the highest amounts of pesticides.
Wellness Letter: Do Organic Foods Reduce Cancer Risk?
Also see Minimizing Pesticides on a Budget about the EWG's Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen among fruits and vegetables.
Mom365: What Organic Foods to Buy and What To Ignore
According to the Environmental Working Group, apples are just one of 12 commonly eaten fruits and veggies that have high traces of chemical pesticides, even after they’ve been peeled and pulped for your baby. The answer? Give children organic forms of these produce.
Mother Earth News: The Environmental Working Group’s 2018 Shopper’s Guide to Produce
Although many people aim to avoid pesticides in their produce, the line between “safe” and “unsafe” foods is anything but clear. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is striving to help consumers find that line with the 2018 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce. Grounded in the belief that most people should be eating better fruits and vegetables, the guide will help you choose the foods that put you at the lowest risk of pesticide contamination.
The People’s Pharmacy: Are Organic Food Enthusiasts Protected from Cancer?
To learn more about which foods are less likely to contain pesticides, you may want to check on the EWG Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen.
EWG's Guide to Sunscreens
Johnny Jet: Beauty Items I Won’t Leave Home Without
How do you balance your eco-consciousness with effective skin protection? Block Island Natural Mineral Sunscreen is perfect for you. It has been awarded Best Beach & Sport Sunscreen by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and provides broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection for your skin
Style Craze: 21 Best Organic, Mineral, And Natural Sunscreens of 2018
This organic sunscreen is top rated by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) for being non-toxic. It is fragrance-free and contains 20.5% non-nano zinc oxide, organic jojoba oil, lavender oil, and other natural ingredients.
