Glyphosate entered the humans’ food chain, studies demonstrate. According to the Italian Organic Agriculture Association (AIAB), in order to prove the presence of the controversial weed killer in our daily life bread was analysed in the United Kingdom, water in France and breast milk as well as tampons in the United States.

 

 

Germany chose to analyse glyphosate residues in 2,009 German people’s urine. The study reveals that 75% of the target group displayed levels that were five times higher than the legal limit of drinking water. One third of the people contaminated with glyphosate even showed levels that were between 10 and 42 times higher than what is generally admissible. Only 0.4% of the 2,009 samples was completely free from glyphosate residues, so almost all Germans (99.6%) have residues of the weed killer in their body. The most significant levels were found in children aged 0 to 9, teenagers aged 10 to 19, and farmers.

 

Those who eat meat showed higher levels of glyphosate than vegetarians and vegans. Also, those who consume organic products are less intoxicated than people who eat non-organic food.

 

 

“The investigation confirmed the findings of the Federal Environment Agency, in regards to the majority of the population having glyphosate residue in their urine. The investigation was the largest of its kind ever carried out and volunteers from all over Germany participated in it. The findings exemplify that further research must be conducted in order to grasp the link between glyphosate exposure through food, drinking water or air and serious diseases”, said veterinarian Monika Krüger, author of the study.

 

 

The Federal Environment Agency itself called for further research to be carried out, as “probably carcinogenic” substances should not be authorised as pesticides by the European law in force.

Tradotto da Francesca Clemente