Every day, Canadians are exposed to many chemicals that are linked to health conditions such as cancer, asthma, diabetes and behavioural problems like ADHD. Due to the extensive use of pesticides in agriculture, the food that we eat regularly have become a significant contributor to harmful chemical exposure. Glyphosate, Canada’s top-selling weed killer and key ingredient in Monsanto’s Roundup, is of particular concern because of its links to cancer.

That’s why we tested popular children’s food products such as Cheerios, Tim Hortons timbits and bagels and Fontaine Santé hummus for glyphosate. The results: 80 per cent of the food products tested contained glyphosate. (See the full report here.) This highlights the need for the Canadian government to strengthen our laws to protect us from harmful pesticides.

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In 2015, the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer declared glyphosate a “probable carcinogen.” Despite this troubling conclusion, Health Canada decided in 2017 to continue to allow its use for another 15 years. This is unlike other countries like France, Austria and Germany who are making moves to significantly restrict or ban glyphosate.

In Italy last year, Canadian durum wheat exports were significantly impacted due to levels of glyphosate that were too high for Italy. That’s not good news for our farmers, our economy or our environment. Canada needs to step up in order to stay competitive as more and more global citizens are demanding a glyphosate-free environment.

More recently, a California court ruled that glyphosate-based pesticides contributed to an American citizen’s cancer, and that Monsanto knowingly covered up the risks. This court case also revealed documents that show Monsanto manipulated scientific research and downplayed the cancer risk of its products for decades.

child baby eating cheerios with glyphosate

Despite these troubling stories, 80 per cent of the food products we tested contained glyphosate. Some of the top highlights were: Fontaine Santé Roasted Garlic Hummus, PC Blue Menu 100% Whole Grain Tortillas, Cheerios and Tim Hortons timbits – foods that make up many children’s daily meals. To see the full list of products tested and the glyphosate content, download the report at: whatsinyourlunch.ca

Now more than ever, we must tell Canada that we need stronger laws to protect us from harmful pesticides, and to take immediate action on chemicals of high concern like glyphosate.

Glyphosate contamination is so pervasive in our food, water, air, rain and soil that we really can’t completely avoid it with our own consumer choices. Families shouldn’t have to worry about the food they are feeding their children. It is the government’s responsibility to protect Canadians from the risks posed by harmful chemicals. Take action today!