As Bayer pays millions to lobbyists and lawyers to convince American elected officials that foreign agrochemical companies should enjoy complete immunity from lawsuits, consumer activists raise the alarm about glyphosate and 85 pesticides that have been banned in other countries, 84% of which cause reproductive harm, that this immunity shield would cover.

By Zen Honeycutt and Michaela Bardossas

Moms Across America releases shocking new lab results revealing widespread glyphosate contamination in popular U.S. breakfast cereals, including certified organic brands that consumers trust to be pesticide-free. Fourteen samples of American cereal were sent to be tested with the hopes of identifying cereals that are safe to consume. Moms Across America supporters, MAHA Action, and the Centner Academy supported the testing. The findings raise serious concerns about contamination in the food supply and highlight the urgent need for stronger regulations, accountability, increased testing, and a global ban on the carcinogenic and endocrine-disrupting herbicide, glyphosate.

Shocking Key Findings

• Over 90% of popular American cereal brands tested positive for glyphosate residue
• 6 out of 7 certified organic US cereal samples tested positive for glyphosate
• Organic cereals Kashi and Cascadian Farms, had the highest levels of glyphosate, up to 235x the level that caused harm in lab studies
• Breakfast cereals with the highest levels are owned by Kellogg’s and General Mills
• Glyphosate use and lack of nutrients result in over-fortification of cereals with iron

"We know that synthetic food dyes, which are on the label, are harmful and should not be present, but what about the chemicals that are NOT on the label? The findings of glyphosate in American cereal, especially organic, are outrageous. Consumers should especially be able to trust organic brands. These test results further emphasize the importance of a global ban on glyphosate use, stricter regulation, and increased manufacturer responsibility. One might wonder if there is a deliberate sabotaging of organic integrity happening by big-box brands. We call upon policy officials to take Trump’s call to get pesticides out of the food supply to heart. It’s time to take bold action to eliminate exposure to our citizens to this carcinogenic, endocrine-disrupting, neurotoxic, nervous system-damaging, liver and kidney disease-causing herbicide, for both conventional and organic consumers." - Zen Honeycutt, Founding Executive Director of Moms Across America

The conventional cereal brands tested and glyphosate findings were:

• Kellogg’s Fruit Loops USA: 13.77 ppb
• Quaker Instant Oatmeal Cinnamon & Spice USA: 13.29 ppb
• Kellogg’s Corn Flakes USA: 12.83 ppb
• General Mills Honey Nut Cheerios USA: 11.26 ppb
• General Mills Cookie Crisp USA: 8.64 ppb
• Kellogg’s Cocoa Krispies USA: 7.38 ppb
• Kellogg's Rice Krispies USA: 5.32 ppb

Moms Across America had hoped to celebrate that organic cereals were clear of glyphosate and were a safer choice. One of the most disappointing and troubling findings from our testing was the high presence of glyphosate residues in organic cereals, which many consumers choose specifically to avoid pesticide contamination. Organic standards prohibit the use of synthetic herbicides like glyphosate, so these results raise serious concerns about contamination during growing, harvesting, or processing.

The organic brands tested and findings were:

• Kashi Cocoa Clusters Organic: 23.53 ppb
• Cascadian Farm Honey Nut Cereal Organic: 22.05 ppb
• Kashi Cinnamon Harvest Organic: 11.19 ppb
• GreenWise Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Organic: 3.34 ppb
• Cascadian Farm Cinnamon Crunch Cereal (Whole Grain with Real Cinnamon) Organic: 1.91 ppb
• Nature's Path Sunrise Crunchy Vanilla Gluten Free Organic: 1.81 ppb
• GreenWise Corn Flakes Cereal Organic: ND (Not Detected)

Proponents of glyphosate or manufacturers who wish to defend the levels of glyphosate found in their products will likely say that one could eat a few hundred bowls of their cereal and still not exceed EPA limits for consumption. We at Moms Across America refute this claim categorically, as independent science shows that “the dose makes the poison” does not apply to endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as glyphosate. Glyphosate has long been known to pose serious health risks at very low levels. In 2012, French scientist Dr. Gilles-Éric Séralini found that exposure to just 0.1 parts per billion (ppb) of glyphosate - the equivalent of one drop in over 1,000 bathtubs—disrupted sex hormones and caused severe liver and kidney damage in rats. Even earlier, in 1985, the EPA classified glyphosate as a “possible human carcinogen,” but that finding was later rescinded after intense industry lobbying.

The fact that glyphosate was detected at any level in 6 out of 7 organic products is deeply disturbing, contradicts organic standards, and highlights potential issues such as:

• Glyphosate drift from nearby conventional farms using glyphosate
• Irrigation water contamination from conventional farms
• Fertilizer - manure from CAFO (Confined Animal Feeding Operation) farms
• The possibility of fraudulent labeling
• Residual glyphosate in soil being absorbed into crops from previous chemical farming practices

Consumers trust organic certification to protect them from chemical residues. Discovering glyphosate in organic cereals seriously erodes consumer trust and underscores the urgent need for stronger monitoring and stricter enforcement.

Moms Across America reached out to the National Organic Standards Board, inquiring how they ensure organic products are not contaminated, and did not receive a reply.

We ask organic producers to JOIN US in petitioning the EPA to revoke the license for glyphosate to protect organic integrity AND to insist that their suppliers do not use glyphosate on their ingredient crops.

If conventional glyphosate use can so easily pollute surrounding organic crops, fields, waterways, and food supplies, the conclusion is unavoidable — glyphosate must be banned entirely. As long as it is allowed in agriculture, contamination will continue, and public health will remain at risk. You can sign our petition here to help make that a reality.

Glyphosate Drastically Reduces Nutrients in Our Foods

Testing and reporting by Michael McNeil of Ag Advisory show that drift-level exposure (just 1/40th of a normal application) to glyphosate reduces nutrient uptake into the shoot of a crop by 80–95%. The nutrients tested—magnesium, zinc, and iron—are all essential for the immune system function of plants, livestock, and humans.

Therefore, we can expect any crop, conventional or organic, exposed to drift levels of glyphosate to also be severely nutrient deficient. Previous findings on school lunches and fast food showed this to be true. Americans are consuming nutrient-deficient food that is starving and weakening our immune systems.

Because glyphosate use results in grains lacking nutrients, manufacturers now routinely fortify nearly all conventional and some organic cereals, such as Kashi. Fortifying with vitamins sounds helpful, but it can cause problems. Among the most concerning findings was the iron content in fortified cereals. Kellogg’s Corn Flakes contained 323 parts per million of iron, an amount far exceeding a child’s daily recommended intake. Such excessive levels of synthetic iron raise serious concerns about nutrient overload and long-term health impacts.

This means that one serving of Kellogg’s Corn Flakes (30g) provides approximately 9.7 mg of iron, which is 121% of the recommended daily iron intake for children. While marketed as beneficial, this synthetic iron is not the same as bioavailable iron found in whole foods. Emerging evidence from holistic health practitioners and clinical observation suggests that excess synthetic iron, particularly in women and children, contributes to oxidative stress, mineral imbalances, and chronic inflammation. Despite decades of iron fortification, rates of fatigue, immune dysfunction, and hormone-related conditions remain high. This raises concerns that Americans are overexposed to isolated nutrients while remaining fundamentally undernourished.

“Fortified minerals, typically in synthetic forms such as ferrous sulfate or zinc oxide, may offer lower absorption and pose gut tolerance issues.” Kendall Mackintosh commented, Global Wellness Forum Council Member and Nutritionist.

Lab report with organic mineral results here.  | Lab report with conventional mineral results here.

Glyphosate Levels in U.S. Cereals: From Most to Least Contaminated

1. Kashi Cocoa Clusters Organic – 23.53 ppb
2. Cascadian Farm Honey Nut Cereal Organic – 22.05 ppb
3. Kellogg’s Fruit Loops – 13.77 ppb
4. Quaker Instant Oatmeal Cinnamon & Spice – 13.29 ppb
5. Kellogg’s Corn Flakes – 12.83 ppb
6. General Mills Honey Nut Cheerios – 11.26 ppb
7. Kashi Cinnamon Harvest Organic – 11.19 ppb
8. General Mills Cookie Crisp – 8.64 ppb
9. Kellogg’s Cocoa Krispies – 7.38 ppb
10. Kellogg’s Rice Krispies – 5.32 ppb
11. GreenWise Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Organic – 3.34 ppb
12. Cascadian Farm Cinnamon Crunch Organic – 1.91 ppb
13. Nature’s Sunrise Crunchy Vanilla Organic – 1.81 ppb
14. GreenWise Corn Flakes Organic – Not Detected (ND)

Why Are Organic Cereals Contaminated if Glyphosate Is Not Allowed in Organic?

The average glyphosate level in the organic samples that were tested was 9.12 ppb compared to an average glyphosate level in conventional cereals of 10.36 ppb. Despite some high outliers in the organic group, organic cereals overall had 11.95% lower glyphosate levels than conventional cereals. Wheat/oat blends appear most contaminated. Among single-grain conventional cereals, oats show higher glyphosate content than corn or rice.

It is possible that the glyphosate amount is higher in some of the organic cereals because of the fact that there are more real “food” ingredients and fewer fake ingredients, such as artificial flavors, artificial colors, BHT, or other preservatives, and synthetic vitamins.

In addition to concerns about drift contamination, there is a clear lack of responsibility on the part of manufacturers. Batch testing for glyphosate costs only a few hundred dollars.

The CEOs of the large companies that manufacture these organic cereals earn between $13 million and $17 million. They could afford quality control testing to ensure their products do not contain glyphosate, but they are clearly not doing this testing.

The two most contaminated cereals, both organic, were the Kashi and Cascadian Farm brands. This is outrageous to consumers who spend top dollar for organic food, with the understanding that they are getting a safer product. Kellogg’s owns Kashi. General Mills owns Cascadian Farm. The majority of cereals we tested, organic or not, are owned by three huge companies: Kellogg’s, General Mills, or PepsiCo.

This isn’t a coincidence. When these big corporations buy organic brands, they keep the label because it sells, but they don’t always keep the standards. The organic label often ends up being more about marketing than real safety.

Moms Across America test results show that these mega companies are not upholding the organic standards. Nearly all of these cereals, including organic options, tested positive for glyphosate. This is especially concerning because these are the very brands consumers turn to for protection from toxic exposures.

It’s clear these companies are still cutting corners somewhere, whether it’s how the ingredients are grown, harvested, or processed, contributing to toxins being present in our food. This is another example of why we need independent testing and why we can’t trust labels or big food companies to keep us safe. We have to keep pushing for real transparency and real clean food.

Recently, the Global Glyphosate Study conducted by the Ramazzini Institute has delivered devastating new evidence: glyphosate exposure at levels well below the current “acceptable daily intake” set by the EU—and more than twice as low as what the U.S. permits—was shown to cause 15 different types of tumors in rats, including rare and aggressive cancers.

These findings obliterate the myth of a “safe level” of glyphosate and point to a massive failure of regulatory bodies to protect public health from chronic, low-dose chemical exposure.

As an alternative to cereal for breakfast, Moms Across America suggests an organic, protein-rich breakfast consisting of whole, real, and nourishing foods. The following options offer more stable energy, essential nutrients, and fewer chemical residues.

One option is a quiche prepared with organic, pasture-raised eggs, raw cheese, and organic vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, and zucchini. Served with sourdough bread and raw butter, quiche can be made in advance and stored for weekday meals.

Another alternative includes breakfast burritos filled with scrambled pasture-raised eggs and raw cheese, wrapped in organic sourdough tortillas. Fresh organic fruit and a glass of raw kefir complement the meal.

For a faster option, pasture-raised organic yogurt topped with bananas, berries, and crushed organic walnuts offers a high-protein, nutrient-dense breakfast that requires minimal preparation.

Nutrition experts emphasize the importance of sourcing 100 percent organic ingredients, preferably from local producers. Raw dairy products provide beneficial enzymes and bacteria, while traditional fats such as 100% grass-fed tallow, pasture-raised ghee, and raw butter are recommended for cooking and overall health. Sourdough bread, valued for its digestibility, is also preferred over conventional grain products.

We wish to thank our Moms Across America supporters, MAHA Action, and the Centner Academy for their support for this testing.

RESULTS

Test was conducted by an ISO accredited laboratory

Click here for Lab Report

Sample name and glyphosate levels

• GreenWise Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Organic: 3.34ppb
• Kashi Cinnamon Harvest Organic: 11.19 ppb
• Kashi Cocoa Clusters Organic: 23.53ppb
• Cascadian Farm Cinnamon Crunch Cereal Whole Grain With Real Cinnamon Organic: 1.91ppb
• Cascadian Farm Honey Nut Cereal Organic: 22.05ppb
• Nature's Path Sunrise Crunchy Vanilla Gluten Free Organic: 1.81ppb
• GreenWise Corn Flakes Cereal Organic: ND
• General Mills Honey Nut Cheerios USA: 11.26ppb
• General Mills Cookie Crisp USA: 8.64ppb
• Kellogg's Rice Krispies USA: 5.32ppb
• Kellogg’s Corn Flakes USA: 12.83ppb
• Kellogg’s Fruit Loops USA: 13.77ppb
• Quaker Instant Oatmeal Cinnamon & Spice USA: 13.29ppb
• Kellogg’s Cocoa Krispies USA: 7.38ppb

We have reached out to NOSB (National Organic Standards Board), and they declined to comment. You can email them at [email protected] to let them know that batch testing for glyphosate should be required to have a USDA organic label.

Further test results are under analysis and are pending. To be alerted to test result findings and to support further testing, visit MomsAcrossAmerica.org.

Moms Across America is a 501c3 nonprofit committed to educating and empowering mothers and others with actions and solutions to create healthy communities.