Glyphosate in Bread: Florida Tests Reveal Levels in Popular Brands (2026)
- Florida’s Department of Health has detected glyphosate, a widely used herbicide, in six of eight tested bread products from five national brands commonly found in Florida grocery stores.
- 5 news release, “We will continue working to arm Floridians with the information they need to make the best choices for their families’ well-being.”
- The Department of Health tested bread products from Sara Lee, Nature’s Own, Wonder Bread, Dave’s Killer Bread, and Pepperidge Farm.
, 7:56 a.m. ET
Florida’s Department of Health has detected glyphosate, a widely used herbicide, in six of eight tested bread products from five national brands commonly found in Florida grocery stores. The findings are the latest in a series of tests conducted by the state examining potential toxins in food, following earlier reports of elevated arsenic levels in candy and heavy metals and pesticides in infant formula.
Governor Ron DeSantis stated in a news release, “We will continue working to arm Floridians with the information they need to make the best choices for their families’ well-being.”
The Department of Health tested bread products from Sara Lee, Nature’s Own, Wonder Bread, Dave’s Killer Bread, and Pepperidge Farm. According to the released findings, glyphosate was present in Sara Lee Honey Wheat, Nature’s Own Butter Bread, Wonder Bread Classic White, Nature’s Own Perfectly Crafted White, Dave’s Killer Bread White Done Right, and Dave’s Killer Bread Classic White. Sara Lee Artesano White and Pepperidge Farm Farmhouse Hearty White did not contain detectable levels of glyphosate.
What is Glyphosate?
Glyphosate is a chemical herbicide used to control weeds and grasses, and is the most widely used herbicide globally, according to the National Toxicology Program, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It is also a key ingredient in common household herbicides, such as Roundup.
How Bad is Glyphosate for You?
The potential health effects of glyphosate exposure remain a subject of ongoing debate. News Medical Life Sciences reports that the carcinogenicity of the herbicide is still under discussion. Dr. Joseph Ladapo, Florida’s state surgeon general, has stated that chronic exposure to glyphosate is linked to changes in the gut microbiome, liver inflammation, and adverse neurological effects.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established “tolerances” for glyphosate on a wide range of food crops, including corn, soybeans, and some fruits and vegetables, ranging from 0.1 to 400 parts per million (ppm).
Potential Health Effects According to the CDC
The CDC outlines several potential health effects associated with glyphosate exposure:
- Swallowing a large amount can cause nausea and vomiting.
- It can cause irritation if it comes into contact with skin or eyes.
- Exposure has been associated with respiratory effects, such as irritation of the nose or asthma, particularly in individuals who frequently use glyphosate products.
- Animal studies suggest glyphosate may cause developmental effects, including lower body weight and problems with bone and organ growth, when pregnant animals are exposed to large doses.
How are People Commonly Exposed to Glyphosate?
According to the CDC, exposure typically occurs through:
- Direct contact with skin and eyes during spraying.
- Inhalation while spraying.
- Small amounts present in food.
Previous Florida Food Safety Tests
The glyphosate testing follows earlier announcements from Florida officials regarding other food safety concerns. In January, tests revealed that over 60% of 46 popular candy types contained elevated levels of arsenic. Testing of 16 infant formulas showed the presence of one or more heavy metals exceeding EPA safe drinking water standards.
Contributors: C.A. Bridges, Ana Goñi-Lessan, USA Today Network-Florida
Cheryl McCloud is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida’s service journalism Connect team.