Recent research has unveiled concerning findings regarding a lesser-known chemical present in popular oat-based products like Cheerios and Quaker Oats, which could have detrimental effects on fertility, fetal growth, and puberty timing.
A report by Gatekeepers News highlights a study published in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology by the Environmental Working Group (EWG). The study indicates that a staggering 80% of Americans have been exposed to a harmful additive known as chlormequat.
Chlormequat, described as a “highly toxic agricultural chemical,” is permitted for use on oats and other grains imported into the US. Its application on crops alters their growth, making harvesting easier by preventing them from bending over.
The EWG’s investigation revealed alarming statistics, with 92% of oat-based foods, including popular brands like Quaker Oats and Cheerios, containing detectable levels of chlormequat in May 2023.
Despite these findings, neither General Mills, the producer of Cheerios, nor PepsiCo, the maker of Quaker Oats, have issued immediate comments on the matter.
Analysis of urine samples collected from 96 individuals between 2017 and 2023 showed a concerning trend. The presence of chlormequat increased in both frequency and concentration over the years, with levels peaking in 2023. This suggests a potential rise in consumer exposure to the chemical.
While chlormequat is known to adversely affect reproductive health in animals, as well as impact foetal development and puberty timing, its prevalence in human samples is rising. In 2017, 69% of participants tested positive for chlormequat, rising to 74% between 2018 and 2022, and reaching 90% in 2023.
The fact that chlormequat typically exits the body within 24 hours indicates frequent exposure among Americans, according to the EWG’s report, previously covered by the Daily Mail.
