US cereal giant Kellogg has set a goal of phasing out the controversial weedkiller glyphosate from its oat and wheat supply chain by 2025, the company confirmed Monday.
Kellogg makes “Corn Flakes” cereal, Pop Tarts and other breakfast products. It, however, does not own or operate farms. The company said on its website that some suppliers have used the herbicide as a “drying agent a few weeks before harvest, particularly with wheat and oats.”
“Although this practice is not widespread in our wheat and oat supply chains, we are working with our suppliers to phase out using glyphosate as pre-harvest drying agent in our wheat and oat supply chain in our major markets, including the US, by the end of 2025,” the company said.
Kellogg’s Chief Sustainability Officer Amy Senter said the company has been working with suppliers on pesticide use since before 2017, and will “continue to actively monitor the science, regulations and consumer preferences on this topic.”
“We expect the news of our updated commitments to be well received by our consumers,” Senter told AFP in an email.
Also read:
– Top Five Breakfast Meals For The Working Woman
– What Benefits Does Corn Have In The Body?
– End Migraines And Headaches With These Diet Tips
Kellogg did not address an AFP question about any use of glyphosate in corn and soy products.
Kellogg’s move comes amid a deluge of lawsuits targeting glyphosate, which sells commercially as Roundup.
Several US courts have awarded plaintiffs large damages awards over cancer and other health claims. However, judges later reduced them. German chemical giant Bayer maintains glyphosate is safe.
Environmental Working Group applauded Kellogg’s action. The nonprofit commissioned lab testing of popular cereals and other foods that were shown to contain high dosages of glyphosate.
“We applaud Kellogg’s for working with their suppliers to address the risks posed by glyphosate,” said EWG President Ken Cook.
“It’s no surprise that consumers don’t want a controversial weedkiller in their cereal. Now it’s time for General Mills and Quaker to listen to their customers and fall in behind Kellogg’s leadership and do the same — end this use of this notorious weedkiller.”
Make sure to follow Plat4om on Twitter @Plat4omLive, on Instagram @Plat4om, on LinkedIn at Plat4om, and on Facebook at Plat4om. You can also email us at info@techtalkwithtdafrica.com. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel HERE.