Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers
Practice Areas: Car Accidents, Medical Malpractice, Vaccine Injuries
Recent studies have uncovered a concerning finding in common breakfast foods: trace amounts of glyphosate, the primary ingredient in Roundup weed killer. For families across Oklahoma and the U.S., this raises serious questions about food safety—especially for children. While the levels found are trim, the concern is genuine.
Understanding how glyphosate ends up in food, the potential health risks it may pose, and your legal rights is essential if you’re trying to protect your family’s well-being.
Glyphosate is a chemical herbicide and the main ingredient in Roundup. It’s used across agriculture to kill weeds and control plant growth. Farmers spray it on crops such as oats, corn, soybeans, and wheat. While it’s effective for farming, some of this chemical remains in the final food product—even after processing.
Glyphosate is the most widely used herbicide in the world. — U.S. Geological Survey, Agricultural Chemicals Data
The World Health Organization’s cancer research division classifies glyphosate as a “probable human carcinogen.” That label doesn’t confirm it causes cancer in everyone, but it does show strong evidence from long-term studies.
The World Health Organization classifies glyphosate as a probable human carcinogen. — International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), 2015
In 2018 and 2019, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) tested popular oat-based cereals and snacks. They found glyphosate in 21 products. In 17 of those, the levels were higher than what the EWG considers safe for children.
The Environmental Working Group found glyphosate levels above 160 ppb—their children’s safety threshold—in 17 of 21 tested oat-based cereals and snacks. — Environmental Working Group, 2019
General Mills and Quaker were among the brands tested. While both companies defended their safety practices, the report caught widespread attention.
EWG’s standard for children is 160 parts per billion (ppb), which is much lower than the Environmental Protection Agency’s tolerance level of 30,000 ppb. This significant difference between private and public safety limits adds to the confusion for consumers.
The U.S. Public Interest Research Group (USPIRG) followed up with its study, this time testing alcoholic beverages. Researchers found glyphosate in nearly every product tested, including some labeled “organic.”
The fact that organic drinks showed trace amounts suggests the chemical is spreading through water, soil, or shared equipment—not just direct use.
This exposure, although small, accumulates over time, especially for individuals who regularly consume these products.
Product Category | Brands Tested | Glyphosate Detected? | Notable Findings |
| Breakfast Cereals | Cheerios, Lucky Charms | Yes | Exceeded EWG safety levels for children |
| Oat Snacks | Quaker Oatmeal Squares | Yes | Quaker disputed findings but confirmed trace levels |
| Wine | Sutter Home, Barefoot | Yes | Present even in organic-labeled wine |
| Beer | Budweiser, Coors, Stella | Yes | All samples contained detectable glyphosate |
| Organic Products | 3 organic-labeled samples | Yes | Shows cross-contamination or soil presence |
Over the past few years, juries have awarded significant verdicts to individuals who developed non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma after using Roundup for extended periods. These lawsuits have primarily focused on heavy occupational exposure—mostly among groundskeepers, agricultural workers, or individuals who regularly sprayed the product.
In three high-profile California jury trials, plaintiffs who developed Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma after years of Roundup exposure were awarded between $80 million and $2 billion in damages.
Each case showed a clear connection between long-term Roundup use and cancer. The verdicts were based on medical testimony, internal company documents, and failure-to-warn labels.
Oklahoma hasn’t passed state-level legislation banning or restricting glyphosate, but that doesn’t mean families don’t have options. If a person has developed non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and has a history of significant glyphosate exposure—whether through work or daily use—a product liability claim may be possible.
In food-based exposure cases, the legal path is less direct. These claims are complex and require documentation of exposure, medical records, and often expert testimony to substantiate.
Product liability cases involving toxic chemicals are handled with close attention to detail. If you believe Roundup exposure played a role in your diagnosis or a loved one’s illness, Graves McLain Injury Lawyers can help you understand your legal rights.
Our attorneys work closely with medical experts and thoroughly review each case to ensure the best possible outcome. We never charge upfront legal fees, and clients only pay if we recover compensation for them.
Glyphosate is the primary active ingredient in Roundup weed killer. It’s controversial because it’s been linked to cancer and found in food. Some health organizations say it’s probably cancer-causing, while regulators argue it’s safe at low levels.
No. Glyphosate is legal in the U.S., though it is banned or restricted in other countries. There’s an ongoing debate between regulatory bodies and health advocacy groups about its long-term safety.
Lawsuits typically involve people with direct, long-term exposure to Roundup. However, if you have a cancer diagnosis and exposure history, it’s worth speaking to a law firm to evaluate your options.
The biggest concern is non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Other research is exploring links to liver, kidney, and reproductive problems, but the strongest data connects it to blood cancers.
Oat-based cereals, snack bars, granola, and whole grains are the most common. Some beers, wines, and ciders also tested positive for the presence of the substance. Buying organic doesn’t always eliminate the risk of exposure to pesticides.
Switching to organic, reducing your intake of processed grains, and consulting product safety guides, such as EWGEWG’s, can help lower your daily exposure.
Finding out that a weed-killer ingredient like glyphosate is present in cereal, snacks, and even drinks is deeply concerning. For many Oklahoma families, it’s another reason to take a closer look at food labels, health symptoms, and long-term exposure.
While not every case will lead to a lawsuit, individuals diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma after significant Roundup exposure may have legal options worth exploring. Graves McLain Injury Lawyers is dedicated to helping individuals understand their rights when dangerous products impact their lives.
Please make an appointment for a free consultation with Graves McLain Injury Lawyers right now to find out how they can support your future.
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.
