Glyphosate found in local food

The African Centre for Biodiversity is calling for deregistration of the herbicide while manufacturers insist their products meet regulatory limits

- Sheree Bega

Health hazard: Laboratory tests confirmed that glyphosate and its persistent metabolite aminomethylphosphonic acid (Ampa) are present in bread, maize meal, wheat flour and infant cereal.

(File)

The African Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) has formally requested Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen to deregister and ban glyphosate and glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs), citing new evidence that the chemical is present in staple foods and infant cereal consumed daily by millions of South Africans.

In a submission to Steenhuisen and pesticides registrar Maluta Mudzunga dated 25 February, the research and advocacy nonprofit group described the continued use of glyphosate as an "urgent public health and environmental threat".

Laboratory tests commissioned by the ACB and certified by the South African National Accreditation System (Sanas) confirmed glyphosate contamination in maize meal, wheat flour, bread and infant cereal, with two products exceeding default national maximum residue limits (MRLs).

"These findings demonstrate real, measurable and ongoing dietary exposure, particularly among infants and low-income households who rely heavily on these staples and have limited alternatives," wrote ACB's executive director Mariam Mayet.

In Impala special maize meal, both glyphosate and its persistent metabolite aminomethylphosphonic acid (Ampa) were detected, with Ampa exceeding the default MRL. Snowflake wheat flour exceeded the default MRL for glyphosate.

Trace amounts of both chemicals were found in Sasko premium white bread and Cerelac baby cereal contained trace glyphosate.

Glyphosate and Ampa are associated with carcinogenic risks, endocrine disruption, gut microbiome damage and other health concerns. Ampa is persistent and toxic, compounding exposure risks.