Quaker Oatmeal Squares Brown Sugar
Summary
Quaker Oatmeal Squares Brown Sugar scores 1/100. EWG's February 2024 chlormequat study detected the pesticide at ~100 ppb. Chlormequat is a plant growth regulator linked to reduced fertility and developmental toxicity in animal studies; it is not approved for use on food crops grown in the U.S. EWG's 2023 panel also found 445.1 ppb glyphosate in this product — extremely high. The two-pesticide contamination plus maltodextrin and three sweeteners drive the score below 20.
At a glance
Contaminants 2
Source: EWG
Glyphosate 445.1 ppb High
Detected at a high level — at or above health-based benchmarks such as EWG's 160 ppb children's-health benchmark. Regular exposure at this level is a genuine health concern. Glyphosate is classified as a probable human carcinogen by IARC, and glyphosate-residue-free supply chains exist — so its presence reflects ingredient sourcing.
EWG 2023 testing detected glyphosate at 445.1 ppb — extremely high.
Chlormequat ~100 ppb High
Detected at a high level — at or above health-based exposure limits. Regular exposure at this level is a genuine health concern. Chlormequat is a plant growth regulator (PGR) used to shorten cereal stalks pre-harvest. Animal studies link chlormequat exposure to reduced fertility, delayed puberty, and developmental toxicity (Environmental Health Perspectives 2018; Reproductive Toxicology 2020). Chlormequat is not approved for use on food crops grown in the U.S., so its presence in this product indicates pre-harvest spraying on imported (likely Canadian or European) oats. There is no FDA tolerance for chlormequat in oat-based foods sold in the U.S.
EWG's February 2024 study detected chlormequat chloride at ~100 ppb in this product. EWG detected chlormequat in 80% of urine samples from a U.S. population in 2023.
Key ingredients 3
Whole Grain Oat FlourGood
Provides fiber and nutrients from whole grain oats.
See more about Whole Grain Oat Flour →MaltodextrinBad
Highly processed starch with glycemic index of 85-105, higher than table sugar.
See more about Maltodextrin →Sugar + Brown Sugar + MolassesBad
Three separate sweeteners. 9g sugar per serving.
See more about Sugar + Brown Sugar + Molasses →Processing
Ultra-Processed Foods
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