2% of use creates 50% of exposure.
Glyphosate desiccation—spraying crops just before harvest—accounts for only 2% of agricultural use but contributes to over half of Americans' dietary exposure.
Pounds of glyphosate applied annually in US
of Americans over age 6 have detectable glyphosate
Increase in detection rates since 1993
Spraying crops right before harvest.
By killing crops 1-2 weeks before harvest, farmers achieve uniform grain moisture and harvest earlier—critical in regions with short growing seasons or wet climates.
Regional Concentration
90-95% of Manitoba wheat acres receive pre-harvest glyphosate. In the US, less than 3% of total wheat acres are treated, concentrated in Montana, North Dakota, and Washington.
Expanded Beyond Wheat
The practice now includes oats, barley, lentils, peas, edible beans, canola, sunflowers, and even potatoes.
Regulatory Accommodation
In the 1990s, Monsanto petitioned EPA to raise tolerance levels 300-fold from 0.1 ppm to 30 ppm specifically to accommodate pre-harvest use.
Widespread food contamination.
100% of Oat Products
Environmental Working Group testing detected glyphosate in 100% of 45 oat-based products tested.
2,837 ppb
Highest level found in Quaker Oatmeal Squares—18x EWG's children's health benchmark.
Whole Grains Higher
81% of glyphosate concentrates in bran during milling. Whole grain products contain 4x more than refined flour.
Processing Doesn't Help
Research shows baking has no effect on glyphosate levels. Only milling reduces exposure by removing bran.
Emerging health concerns.
Pregnancy & Children
A 2022 study found glyphosate in 99% of pregnant women, with higher exposure significantly reducing birth weight. Children aged 6-11 show higher concentrations than adults.
Gut Microbiome
Glyphosate inhibits the shikimate pathway in 54% of core human gut bacteria. Beneficial bacteria show greater sensitivity than pathogenic species.
Liver Disease
A 2025 review of 40+ studies found glyphosate may significantly raise risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated liver disease.
Cancer Classification
IARC classified glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic” in 2015. Meta-analyses found 41% increased NHL risk in highest exposure groups.
Industry is walking away.
Market rejection is reshaping usage patterns faster than regulation. Major food companies and grain buyers are eliminating pre-harvest glyphosate from their supply chains.
Grain Millers (2015)
Stopped accepting glyphosate-treated oats, citing quality concerns—the chemical disrupts natural starch maturation.
Richardson International (2021)
Canada's largest agribusiness stopped accepting glyphosate-treated oats.
Kellogg's & General Mills
Kellogg's committed to phase out by 2025. General Mills began contracting for glyphosate-free oats in 2019.
42,000+ Lawsuits
Bayer faces ongoing litigation over cancer claims, having paid over $10 billion in settlements with $4.5 billion more reserved.
Consumer pressure is winning.
The contrast between North American practices and European prohibition underscores divergent approaches to food safety. Market forces and consumer awareness appear more effective than regulatory action in reducing desiccant use.