Lab tests find high levels of glyphosate in conventional hummus, chickpeas
Published: August 8, 2020
Category: The Organic & Non-GMO Report Newsletter
Independent tests commissioned by the Environmental Working Group found glyphosate, the weedkiller linked to cancer, in more than 80% of non-organic hummus and chickpeas samples, and detected at far lower levels in several organic versions.
One-third of the 27 conventional hummus samples exceeded EWG’s benchmark of 160 parts per billion (ppb) for daily consumption. The Environmental Protection Agency’s limit for glyphosate in chickpeas is 5,000 ppb, more than 30 times EWG’s benchmark.
Whole Foods Market Original Hummus showed the highest level, more than 2000 ppb, 15 times the EWG benchmark. Two Sabra brands and two Harris Teeter brands also exceeded EWG’s benchmark. Ten of 12 organic samples showed glyphosate, as well as nearly 90% of 37 conventional chickpea items. Among 12 samples of conventional (and 3 organic) lentils and beans, 60% contained glyphosate.
Glyphosate is used on non-organic chickpeas, beans, lentils, and peas as a pre-harvest desiccant (drying agent). Contamination of the organic samples probably came from drift or processing facilities.
The USDA does not include glyphosate in its pesticide testing for chickpeas.
The authors recommend banning pre-harvest glyphosate use, a much stricter EPA standard, and increased USDA testing for this cancer-causing chemical.
Source: Environmental Working Group
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