A chemical pesticide has been found in oat-based food products available across the US, a new study notes. Should consumers be worried about this chemical's potential health effects?
Chlormequat Found in Oat-Based Foods
Chlormequat, the pesticide of concern, has been used for plant growth regulation. Its use is approved in Canada and other countries for application of commercial cereal grains. These can be imported to the United States.
The study of the Environmental Working Group, entitled "A pilot study of chlormequat in food and urine from adults in the United States from 2017 to 2023," detected the chemical in 77 out of 96 urine samples that were taken from 2017 all the way to 2023. Levels were found to increase in the most recent years.
They also tested 25 samples of oat-based non-organic foods, including Cheerios and Quaker Oats, from grocery stores in the US. Chlormequat was detected in 92% of these samples.
Is Chlormequat Dangerous?
The group notes that animal studies have associated chlormequat with reproductive system harm, reduced fertility, and altered fetal growth.
According to experts, it is good to be mindful of this. However, the subject should not be fixated on as it remains a mystery how the chemical could affect human health. Dr. Tomer Singer, the chief of reproductive endocrinology and infertility in Northwell Health, says that this is the first study towards the right direction, but it is too early for things to be told. The doctor adds that it warrants more prospective and extensive study, which may take years yet.
Dr. Asima Ahmad, the co-founder and chief medical officer of Carrot Fertility care platform, says that various animal studies have shown that the chemical pesticide can affect fertility. These studies have revealed disruptions and difficulties in mating, altered development and growth of embryos, decreased motility of sperm and fertilization rates, and fetal development.
However, all of these studies focused on animals, such as rats and pigs.
Dr. Ahmad explains that, though these studies were not done among humans, making use of animal models could help in predicting how similar exposures could impact human health.
Should You Stop Eating Oats?
Dr. Singer also says that this does not necessarily mean that oats should no longer be included in one's diet, as grains are crucial for a balanced and healthy diet. However, experts say that the findings could help encourage mindful decision-making and shopping.
Ultimately, nothing in excessive amounts is healthy. Dr. Singer encourages diversifying one's diet and not eating the same grain or product from the same company again and again. Going further, people can also choose organic and freshly prepared options.
The companies behind Quaker Oats and Cheerios stand by their product safety and quality. A spokesperson from General Mills, which is the maker of Cheerios, says that their products follow the regulatory requirements and that food safety is their utmost priority.
Quaker also released a statement saying that they have a comprehensive food management system and that they follow regulatory guidelines to ensure the best-quality and safest products.
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