Kellogg confirmed on Monday that the company has set a goal of phasing out the controversial weedkiller glyphosate from its oat and wheat supply chain by 2025.
Kellogg, the maker of “Corn Flakes” cereal, Pop-Tarts, Eggo waffles, and other breakfast products, does not own or operate farms. Still, many of its suppliers have used the herbicide as a “drying agent a few weeks before harvest, particularly with wheat and oats,” the company said on its website. The company said:
“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.”
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Amy Senter, Chief Sustainability Officer at Kellogg, 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.” The company has not addressed questions about its use of glyphosate in corn and soy products. Senter said:
“We expect the news of our updated commitments to be well received by our consumers.”
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But Kellogg’s neglected to tell the industry groups that support wheat and oat growers, said Caitlin Eannello, the director of communications for the National Association of Wheat Growers. Eannello said:
“We heard something (about it) this morning but didn’t realize this was in the works on their end, and we’re trying to find out exactly what it means. Glyphosate is very safe, and there’s no real alternative. If it were to be totally eradicated, producers would probably stop growing. (Kellogg’s) made an announcement without talking to us.’’
Kellogg’s move comes amid a barrage of lawsuits surrounding glyphosate, which is sold commercially as Roundup. Several US courts have awarded plaintiffs significant damages awards over cancer and other health claims. German chemical giant Bayer-Monsanto asserts glyphosate is safe.
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The nonprofit Environmental Working Group praised Kellogg’s action. The group commissioned lab testing of popular cereals and other foods that were shown to contain high dosages of glyphosate. EWG President Ken Cook said:
“We applaud Kellogg’s for working with their suppliers to address the risks posed by glyphosate. 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.”
