In a class action federal lawsuit a Brooklyn man has targeted Quaker Oats. The lawsuit alleges the use of ‘natural’ and ‘100% natural’ is ‘false, deceptive, and misleading’ because it uses a chemical during oat production.
This herbicide linked to the lawsuit is one that many of us are familiar with, glyphosphate (or Roundup).
First developed in 1974, glyphosphate is the active ingredient in Roundup and its use has been growing every year since.
Questions about this chemical and similar chemical structures have been raised by scientists and epidemiologists for disrupting normal hormone function.
The impact has been suggested on a variety of health conditions for negative impact in obesity, cancer, and gastrointestinal health.
The herbicide in question is very effective at killing noxious weeds by blocking an enzyme in plants that prevents the synthesis of key amino acids.
This mechanism of action is considered ‘broad spectrum’ in that Roundup will indiscriminately kill all plants.
Questions have even been raised by scientists from Iowa State University suggesting glyphosphate may be responsible for decreasing the Monarch butterfly population.
In 2015, the World Health Organization has declared this substance as ‘probably carcinogenic to humans’. Studies have implicated it in breast, thyroid, kidney, pancreas, lymphoma and bladder cancer.
A response by the company says they did not add glyphosphate while milling the grains however, it is possible that farms are applying it prior to harvesting.
The claim is seeking $5 million in damages. The plaintiffs are seeking refunds and asking PepsiCo (Quaker’s parent company) to reformulate the products or to disclose glyphosphate in them.
Remember, just because something says it is ‘Natural’ or ‘100% Natural’ may not be ‘100% Natural’.
His research on plant medicine has led to more than 45 publications and abstracts.This research has been presented at international meetings in the USA, France, Turkey, Peru, Israel, Austria, and Italy.
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