Glyphosate use in industrial farming has become more rampant in recent years. In fact, it is the most heavily used pesticide in the world, thanks in part to lax government regulations and the rise of genetically modified crops engineered to withstand the chemical. Touted as a “safe” broad-spectrum herbicide by chemical manufacturers like Bayer and regulatory agencies like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, glyphosate is not only used today for weed control but has also found use as a pre-harvest desiccant. [1]
In the early 1980s, UK farmers discovered that spraying crops with glyphosate shortly before harvest allows them to dry evenly. At the same time, application of the chemical was found to accelerate the ripening of some crops, such as sugarcane. [2] These advantages convinced modern farmers to adopt this method of pre-harvest desiccation, resulting in more widespread glyphosate use.
But what most farmers do not know is that these benefits come at a cost. As subsequent studies have shown, pre-harvest glyphosate spraying has led to glyphosate residues being detected in various conventionally farmed produce, introducing the chemical into the global food supply and threatening human health. The practice has also allowed the chemical to become a widespread environmental pollutant, contaminating the air that we breathe, the soil that we farm and even the water that we drink. [3]
Health risks associated with glyphosate exposure
Consumers concerned about glyphosate contamination have every right to be worried and demand action. Ever since researchers and independent organizations began looking into glyphosate’s potential effects, their findings have become increasingly alarming. Take, for instance, two reports cited by the Detox Project, a research and certification platform dedicated to fostering transparency in the food, consumer goods and supplement industries.
In 2016, urine testing conducted by the University of California San Francisco with the help of the Detox Project revealed that 93% of samples collected from people across the U.S. were positive for glyphosate residues. [4] In 2019, a unique hair testing project conducted in Japan, which involved 23 parliament members, revealed that the majority of the politicians had long been exposed to various pesticides, including glyphosate. [5]
Similarly, a large study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released in 2022 found that over 80% of urine samples taken from U.S. children and adults had detectable traces of glyphosate. [6] These reports suggest that glyphosate exposure is now a major cause for concern that warrants serious attention, especially since numerous studies have linked the herbicide to many serious health issues.
Here are some disturbing reports published recently about glyphosate’s impact on health:
- A long-term study published in June 2025 in the Journal of Environmental Health found that prenatal exposure to glyphosate and two commercial glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) significantly increased the incidence of multiple benign and malignant tumors in rats. Organs affected include blood-forming tissues, skin, liver, thyroid, nervous system, ovary, mammary gland, adrenal glands, kidney, urinary bladder, bone, endocrine pancreas, uterus and spleen. [7] This report is just one of many that link glyphosate to multiple types of cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic to humans” (Group 2A) in 2015. [8]
- In a 2019 meta-analysis of human epidemiological studies, researchers from the University of California Berkeley, University of Washington and Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai found a “compelling link between exposures to GBHs and increased risk for NHL (non-Hodgkin lymphoma).” The report also noted potential links between glyphosate/GBH exposure and immunosuppression, endocrine disruption and genetic alterations that are commonly associated with NHL. [9]
- A 2025 study published in the journal Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety linked high levels of glyphosate in urine to impaired kidney function in human adults. The research used data from the NHANES study, which enrolled 1,170 participants. Kidney damage caused by glyphosate may be linked to several metabolites and pathways influenced by the chemical, according to the study. [10]
- According to a 2023 study published in the journal Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology, glyphosate exposure can increase one’s predisposition to diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by triggering oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver. Alarmingly, this effect was observed at doses considered to be No Observed Adverse Effect Levels (NOAEL), showing just how harmful chronic low-level glyphosate exposure can be. [11]
- In a 2021 study published in the journal Frontiers in Endocrinology, Argentinian researchers compiled evidence linking glyphosate and GBHs to reproductive issues, particularly in women. The review highlighted evidence of glyphosate and GBHs’ estrogen-mimicking properties and biological activities that disrupt normal endocrine function. “Multigenerational effects have been reported and epigenetic mechanisms have been proved to be involved in the alterations induced by the herbicide,” the study further noted. [12]
- According to a 2024 study published in the Journal of Neuroinflammation, glyphosate exposure may cause lasting damage to the brain. As shown in mice, even brief contact with the pesticide leads to significant brain inflammation, an event associated with neurodegenerative disease. Glyphosate was also linked to accelerated Alzheimer’s disease-like pathology in mouse models, suggesting that the brain may be more susceptible to the chemical’s damaging effects than previously thought. [13][14]
5 conventional produce often contaminated with glyphosate
Food is the main route of glyphosate exposure for consumers. The government’s stubborn inaction – despite mounting evidence of serious harm – means it’s up to you to ensure your safety. Reducing your glyphosate exposure starts with making smart and informed food choices. With glyphosate being a widespread environmental pollutant, organic labels are no longer a guarantee. When shopping for truly clean foods, look for brands that offer transparency by incorporating verifiable lab tests for common food contaminants, such as heavy metals, forever chemicals (e.g., PFAS) and pesticides like glyphosate.
If your local grocery can’t give you that assurance, the Health Ranger Store is here to supply what you need. We offer only lab-verified food products and supplements that have been thoroughly tested for glyphosate, heavy metals, microbiology and other toxins in the Health Ranger’s ISO-accredited laboratory. Because the Health Ranger Store values your trust, we now publish lot-specific lab results for our in-house products (available when you click any product at HealthRangerStore.com) so you can be assured of their purity, quality and safety. [15]
For consumers who wish to avoid glyphosate, we offer glyphosate-tested organic alternatives to commonly contaminated conventional produce:
Beans
Glyphosate residues are frequently detected in conventionally grown beans because they are often sprayed with the herbicide before harvest. Here’s a summary of food analyses conducted over the years:
- The Canadian Food Inspection Agency reported detecting glyphosate in nearly 50% of conventional bean, pea and lentil products tested in 2015 and 2016. [16]
- In 2019, tests commissioned by Friends of the Earth (FOE) found glyphosate with an average concentration of 509 ppb in all 27 samples of dried pinto beans. This level is more than 4.5 times the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) cancer risk benchmark for children. [17]
- Independent tests conducted by the EWG in 2020 found glyphosate in 60% of conventional bean and lentil samples from various brands sold in the U.S. [18]
Enjoy the nutritional benefits of pinto beans without worrying about toxic pesticides when you choose Health Ranger Select Organic Pinto Beans. Packed with plant protein, fiber, iron, magnesium and vitamin B6, our Organic Pinto Beans are sourced directly from trusted growers and are lab verified for cleanliness. They are also non-GMO, vegan, Kosher-certified and available in long-term storable 10-lb mega buckets.
Coffee beans
A study published in the journal Advances in Weed Science reported that “[f]armers often use glyphosate for cost-effective land clearance to streamline coffee harvest processes despite recommendations against its application near the harvest period.” [19] This means that, like beans, raw coffee beans often contain glyphosate residues – a fact many coffee lovers are not aware of. Here are some more facts about glyphosate in coffee you may not know:
- Brazil, one of the largest producers and exporters of coffee in the world, has 164 registered glyphosate products approved for coffee. [20]
- Glyphosate is the second most-used pesticide for coffee production in Kenya, a well-known exporter of Arabica beans.
- Independent coffee testing conducted by the Clean Label Project, a non-profit organization based in Colorado, found high levels of toxins and trace levels of glyphosate in various coffee samples from 45 different brands. [21]
- Aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), a breakdown product of glyphosate that’s been linked to the same health risks, was found in 72% of the tested samples, which included certified organic coffee. The presence of this toxic metabolite even in organic products points to widespread environmental contamination of glyphosate and underscores the importance of rigorous lab testing of food products.
Start your mornings with a clean, worry-free cup of coffee with Health Ranger Select 100% Organic Hand-Roasted Whole Bean Coffee (Honey Processed Honduras). Sourced from the Café Organico Marcala Sociedad Anonima (COMSA) co-op in Honduras, this medium-roast coffee blend features a distinctly fruity aroma and an exquisite flavor with floral undertones. Most importantly, it is USDA organic, non-GMO, glyphosate-tested and laboratory verified for cleanliness.
For those looking to stock up on coffee long-term, we also offer Health Ranger Select Fair Trade Organic Freeze-Dried Instant Coffee. This clean, medium-roast coffee in a convenient and shelf-stable format delivers a bold and exquisite flavor that you can enjoy immediately. All you need to do is add hot water, stir, and your instant coffee is ready to drink. All Health Ranger coffees are Fair Trade and roasted by masters of the craft so you can enjoy the full flavor of clean, sustainably grown coffee beans.
Corn
- Corn is one of the most common food crops sold in markets that are contaminated with glyphosate. This is because the majority of the corn grown in the U.S. is now genetically modified to tolerate pre-harvest spraying of glyphosate. [22] Here are some more facts about U.S. corn:
- In a 2016 report, the Food and Drug Administration reported finding glyphosate in 63.1% of corn samples tested. [23]
- GM corn made up approximately 94% of the corn grown in the U.S. in 2024 and occupied over 86 million acres of farmland. [24]
- Field corn, the most commonly grown corn variety in the U.S., is also the type most likely to be genetically modified. Field corn is processed into corn starch, syrup or other ingredients like citric acid, cellulose, maltodextrin, flavorings and some vitamins.
- GM sweet corn, the type of corn sold either on the cob, frozen or canned, is required by law to be labeled as “bioengineered.” [25]
- Flint corn is the least likely corn variety to be genetically modified. It also makes up very little of the corn grown in the U.S.
Incorporate nutritious and versatile corn into healthy meals with peace of mind with Health Ranger Select Freeze-Dried Organic Whole Corn. A great source of dietary fiber, protein, potassium and other essential nutrients, our clean Organic Whole Corn contains no synthetic additives, preservatives or fillers and is carefully freeze-dried to preserve the taste, texture and nutrient content of fresh whole corn.
An excellent addition to your emergency food pantry, Health Ranger Select Freeze-Dried Organic Whole Corn is non-GMO, non-China, certified Kosher and organic, and meticulously lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals and microbiology. It is also grown in the USA under strict organic standards.
Lentils
Lentils bear the same fate as beans pre-harvest: They are often sprayed with glyphosate to help them dry and to facilitate harvesting. Glyphosate is also used on lentils for weed control. Because of these practices, lentils are one of the top foods to avoid for consumers concerned about glyphosate. Here’s what reports say about lentils and glyphosate contamination:
- In 2011, Austrian authorities published a report detailing how glyphosate residues above the maximum residue limit (MRL) of 0.1 mg/kg were detected in lentils labeled “organic” that originated from Turkey. [26]
- A German study published in 2020 found that people who consumed pulses, including lentils, had higher urine glyphosate and/or AMPA levels than those who did not. [26]
- A 2020 report by the EWG found glyphosate in 60% of tested samples, which included canned or dried varieties of lentils and black, navy and Great Northern beans. One sample of lentils had 544 ppb of glyphosate, which exceeded the EWG benchmark in a single serving. [27]
For lentil lovers looking to avoid glyphosate in their favorite food, the Health Ranger Store is offering a clean, glyphosate-tested product you can trust. Health Ranger Select Organic Red Lentils are a good and versatile source of plant protein, fiber, folate and magnesium. They come ready to use for your convenience, meaning they no longer require pre-soaking.
Our Organic Red Lentils are carefully air-dried to ensure they retain their nutritional value and can stay on your shelf longer without refrigeration or added preservatives. This makes them perfect for food preparedness and relatively quick meals that are packed with nutrition. Health Ranger Select Organic Red Lentils are non-GMO, China-free, certified Kosher and organic, and lab verified for cleanliness.
Nuts
Conventionally grown nuts and nut butters are also at the top of the list of glyphosate-contaminated foods to watch out for. Industrial farmers often spray the pesticide on the ground around nut trees to control the growth of weeds, resulting in glyphosate residues being detected in non-organic nuts. Here’s what reports say about glyphosate contamination in nuts:
- According to research, more than 80% of non-organic California almonds are treated with weed killers like glyphosate. [28] California is the world’s largest producer of almonds and the source of 100% of the U.S. almond supply. [29] This means that the majority of raw almonds and almond products sold in groceries are likely to be tainted with glyphosate. [28]
- A study published in 2019 reported that glyphosate, in combination with 2,4-D amine salt, was the most widely used herbicide in Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), one of the major producers and exporters of cashew nuts. [29] Roughly 40% of the world’s cashew supply comes from this country. [30]
- Other nuts frequently found with traces of glyphosate include walnuts, pistachios and pecans.
Nuts are a rich source of essential nutrients and antioxidants. Unfortunately, most nuts and nut products sold on the market are conventionally grown and often contain pesticide residues. For your safe consumption and healthy meal preps, the Health Ranger Store offers clean, glyphosate-tested organic nuts.
Health Ranger Select Organic Raw Cashews (Whole & Pieces) and Health Ranger Select Organic Almonds are loaded with all the wholesome goodness of organic tree nuts minus the contamination caused by fumigation, irradiation and chemical treatments. Versatile and carefully grown under strict organic standards by trusted growers, our Organic Raw Cashews and Almonds are exhaustively lab tested not just for pesticides but also for heavy metals and microbiology.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose any diseases.
References:
[1] https://www.sciencedirect.com
[3] https://www.pan-europe.info
[5] https://sustainablepulse.com
[6] https://www.theguardian.com
[9] https://www.sciencedirect.com
[10] https://www.sciencedirect.com
[11] https://www.sciencedirect.com
[12] https://www.frontiersin.org
[13] https://link.springer.com
[14] https://www.eurekalert.org
[15] https://www.healthrangerstore.com
[16] https://environmentaldefence.ca
[17] https://foe.org
[18] https://www.ewg.org
[21] https://nomoreglyphosate.nz
[22] https://www.healthandenvironment.org
[23] https://www.mygenefood.com
[24] https://www.nongmoproject.org
[25] https://www.fdli.org
[26] https://www.eurl-pesticides.eu
[27] https://link.springer.com
[27] https://www.ewg.org
[28] https://thegoodinside.com
