Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers
Practice Areas: Wrongful Death, Medical Malpractice, Bad Faith Insurance, Car Accidents, T-Bone Tractor-Trailer Accidents, Dangerous Drugs
Most people don’t expect their evening glass of wine or favorite beer to contain weed killer. However, a public report raised eyebrows when it revealed that glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, was found in multiple alcoholic beverages sold in the U.S. This discovery has stirred public concern—especially among individuals already familiar with the legal battles surrounding Roundup and its potential cancer risks.
In this blog, we’ll explain what glyphosate is, why it’s being found in beverages, what science and lawsuits say about its safety, and what Tulsa residents can do if they suspect harm from exposure.
Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide, best known as the main ingredient in Roundup. It’s commonly applied in farming, landscaping, and even home gardens to kill weeds. Due to its widespread use, traces of glyphosate have been identified in many food and beverage products, including beer and wine.
Regulators, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), state that glyphosate is safe when used correctly. But other agencies, including the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), see it differently. They’ve classified glyphosate as a “probable human carcinogen,” raising red flags for consumers.
The IARC classifies glyphosate as a Group 2A agent, meaning it is ‘probably carcinogenic to humans.
In 2019, a report by the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (U.S. PIRG) Education Fund tested popular beers, wines, and ciders for the presence of glyphosate. The study included five wines, fourteen beers, and one hard cider. Glyphosate was detected in nearly all of them—even in several beverages labeled as organic.
The test results revealed glyphosate levels ranging from 5.2 to 51 parts per billion (ppb).
The U.S. PIRG study found glyphosate in 19 out of 20 popular beer and wine brands—including some labeled as organic.
| Beverage Type | Brand (Generic Label) | Glyphosate Level (PPB) | Organic Label? |
| Beer | Brand A Lager | 25.1 | No |
| Beer | Brand B IPA | 26.4 | No |
| Wine | Brand C Merlot | 36.3 | No |
| Wine | Brand D Organic White | 5.2 | Yes |
| Cider | Brand E Apple Cider | 11.8 | No |
This is where the issue gets complicated. According to the EPA, glyphosate is safe at current exposure levels. However, studies reviewed by other agencies indicate that even small amounts can be harmful.
Some researchers argue that just one part per trillion (ppt) of glyphosate could affect hormone activity or promote the growth of cancer cells.
Even low doses of glyphosate—down to one part per trillion—have been shown in studies to disrupt hormonal activity and stimulate cancer cell growth.
California took a more assertive stance by adding glyphosate to its Proposition 65 list in 2015. This law requires products sold in the state to carry warning labels if they contain substances known to be linked to cancer.
California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment added glyphosate to its Proposition 65 list in 2015, requiring warning labels on products sold in the state.
The most widely discussed health risk tied to glyphosate is non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a type of cancer affecting the lymphatic system. Several studies have found a connection between long-term Glyphosate exposure and an elevated risk of developing this illness.
This link has led to a wave of lawsuits across the U.S. Plaintiffs allege that repeated contact with Roundup or glyphosate-based products led to their cancer diagnoses.
One of the most well-known cases involved a California school groundskeeper who regularly used Roundup. A jury awarded him $289 million in damages, later reduced to $78 million. The court found that Monsanto failed to warn users about potential health risks.
In 2018, a California jury awarded $289 million to a former school groundskeeper who alleged that his cancer was caused by Roundup exposure. The award was later reduced to $78 million.
Since acquiring Monsanto, Bayer AG has faced over 9,000 lawsuits from individuals who believe Roundup exposure caused their cancer. These cases fall under product liability law, which holds manufacturers accountable for failing to warn consumers about risks.
Many of these cases have been consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL) in federal court, enabling similar lawsuits to proceed more efficiently.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Each case is different and depends on its unique facts.
If you’ve developed cancer after long-term exposure to glyphosate products—mainly if you used them for work or around your home—you may have legal options.
If you’re concerned about glyphosate exposure from beverages or herbicide use, here are a few steps to consider:
In Oklahoma, product liability laws enable individuals to seek compensation if defective or dangerous products have caused them harm. Every case depends on the facts—such as medical diagnosis, exposure history, and timing—so a legal review is essential.
The scientific community is divided. Some studies suggest long-term exposure—even in low doses—may increase cancer risk, particularly non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Regulatory agencies differ in their assessments.
The levels found are below the EPA’s safety threshold, but some researchers argue that even low levels may pose health risks. California has stricter labeling laws under Prop 65.
You may want to speak with a product liability attorney. They can help determine if your case qualifies for a glyphosate-related lawsuit based on your medical history and exposure.
Yes, glyphosate remains widely used in agriculture, landscaping, and commercial weed control. It is approved by the EPA but banned or restricted in some countries.
Product liability allows consumers to hold manufacturers accountable for selling unsafe products. If a product causes harm due to a defect or inadequate warnings, legal action may be possible.
Yes. Oklahoma residents may pursue claims under state product liability laws. However, eligibility depends on factors like exposure history, diagnosis, and timing.
The presence of glyphosate in everyday beverages, such as beer and wine, has sparked health concerns and legal questions. While regulatory agencies debate its safety, individuals exposed to glyphosate—especially those diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma—are already taking legal action.
Understanding your risks and rights is key. If you suspect glyphosate exposure has affected your health, consider speaking with a product liability attorney. Graves McLain Injury Lawyers in Tulsa reviews these types of claims and helps individuals understand their legal options—without charging a fee unless compensation is recovered.
When injury victims need a law firm with a reputation for excellence, turn to Graves McLain Injury Lawyers. We are a top-rated personal injury firm determined to be the best. With decades of award-winning representation, our clients recover the compensation they need to put their lives back together.
