As levels of Monsanto (now Bayer)’s carcinogenic, gut-microbiome-destroying weed killer glyphosate (the main ingredient in Roundup) in our food go down, levels of Eastman Chemical Company’s plant-growth-regulating reproductive toxin chlormequat is going up.
Chlormequat dysregulates fetal growth and metabolism, delays the onset of puberty, disrupts oestrus cycling, decreases the weight of male reproductive organs, as well as testosterone levels and sperm motility, and reduces conception.
Tell the EPA: Keep Chlormequat Off U.S. Grown Food--and Get It Off Imports!
According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG):
“Chlormequat was first registered for use in the U.S. in 1962 but only on ornamental plants. For over 50 years, imported food couldn’t legally contain chlormequat residue, and growers are not allowed to use the chemical in food crops grown in the U.S.
“But companies are trying to change that.
“In 2017, Taminco, a subsidiary of the giant Eastman Chemical Company, petitioned the Trump EPA to permit chlormequat in oats imported into the U.S. The company requested that a “tolerance” of 15 parts per million, or ppm, be allowed. It also sought tolerances for other grains and for meat products from animals that feed on these grains. In response, in 2018, the EPA established tolerances for oats and the other items.
“Then, in 2019, Taminco petitioned the EPA to further raise the tolerance. In response, the agency increased the chlormequat tolerance on imported oats to 40 ppm, effective May 2020. The agricultural trade publication Top Crop Manager celebrated the decision, stating the higher tolerance “removes a significant hurdle for Canadian grain growers” that use chlormequat on oats.
“Taminco has also submitted an application to the EPA to allow chlormequat to be used on oats and other grains grown in the U.S. If approved, this would likely dramatically increase the use of the chemical in a wide range of products, potentially leading to greater risk of exposure in humans and possible harm to the environment. The EPA is still reviewing Taminco’s application.”
Tell the EPA: Keep Chlormequat Off U.S. Grown Food--and Get It Off Imports!