A recent news story reveals that when FDA scientists brought food from their homes to test for pesticide contamination, most of the foods tested positive. This was in sharp contrast to the “official” FDA test samples that tested negative or at low/legally acceptable levels. Our issue this month is to alert you to be aware of the possible extent of contamination of our U.S. food supply, particularly of wheat, by the pesticide glyphosate (the key ingredient in the weed-killer Roundup). We found explanations of the how and why of the standard practice of spraying glyphosate on wheat to make harvesting easier. While you might think that a low level of pesticide contamination would not be a problem, cumulative exposure is suspected to increase the prevalence of a number of health conditions like gastrointestinal disorders, autism, and certain cancers.

ISSUE: Is our food supply contaminated by glyphosate in pesticides?

AHHA strives to maintain a neutral position on issues and viewsknowledge as power. For those interested in learning more about this month’s issue, the following related articles were selected to serve as a foundation for learning more about this issue.

[How glyphosate can get into the foods you eat]
Why Is Glyphosate Sprayed on Crops Right Before Harvest? (3/5/18)
by Ken Roseboro
EcoWatch

The Real Reason Wheat is Toxic (it’s not the gluten) (3/4/18)
The Healthy Home Economist

[FDA scientists tested food from their own homes and found glyphosate.]
Weedkiller found in granola and crackers, internal FDA emails show (4/30/18)
by Carey Gillam
The Guardian

Emails Show FDA Chemists Have Been Quietly Finding Glyphosate in Food (5/1/18)
by Dan Nosowitz
Modern Farmer

[Actual email from FDA scientist to colleagues]
Email from FDA scientist Richard L. Thompson (1/4/17)

[FDA reports on testing for glyphosate]
FDA FOIA Documents Regarding Glyphosate Residue Testing (5/2/18)
by Carey Gillam
U.S. Right to Know

You may be thinking “Didn’t AHHA have the Issue of the Month related to glyphosate recently?” Yes, the March 2018 Issue of the Month was “Do I want to reduce my exposure to Roundup?” However, this month’s new information seemed too important not to alert you in a timely manner.

We encourage you to post your comments. You are also invited to share additional resources you have found relating to this issue.