Toxic Chemical Linked to Infertility Discovered in Cheerios and Oat-Based Foods

A new study published in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology found that 80% of tested Americans had the pesticide chlormequat in their systems, with the chemical being detected in common oat and wheat-based products, including Cheerios and Quaker Oats. Chlormequat, a plant growth regulator not approved for use on edible crops in the U.S., has been linked to potential harmful effects, although its impact on humans is not fully understood. The study's findings have raised concerns about food safety and the importation of foods treated with chlormequat, prompting ongoing research and opposition from environmental advocacy groups.