The most widely used weedkiller worldwide, glyphosate, will become a subject of pesticide residue testing by FDA for the first time, says Civil Eats. It quoted an agency spokeswoman as saying, “The agency is now considering assignments for Fiscal Year 2016 to measure glyphosate in soybeans, corn, milk, and eggs, among other potential foods.”
Almost all of the corn and soybeans grown in the United States comes from seeds genetically engineered to tolerate glyphosate. Corn and soybeans are ingredients in many processed foods. Last year, a WHO agency classified glyphosate as probably carcinogenic to humans.
A senior scientist for Consumers Union said USDA also should check for glyphosate in its tests for pesticide residues in raw agricultural products. Until now, USDA and FDA said testing is not necessary because of the cost and because glyphosate has been regarded by U.S. regulators as a safe pesticide.
“Private companies, academics, and consumer groups have recently launched their own testing and claim to have detected glyphosate residues in breast milk, honey, cereal, wheat flour, soy sauce, infant formula, and other substances,” said Civil Eats.