Ökotest has just published the results of a study in which 20 different spaghetti brands in Germany were examined Five of them are organic
Grades and a final rating are awarded, and tests range from taste and bite strength to ingredients. You can find details online for free at Ökotest, or read the entire study (for a fee).
What interested me most – and shocked me – was the topic: glyphosate content.
12!! of 15 conventional spaghetti brands contained traces of glyphosate. Among others, Barilla, and pasta from Aldi Süd, Kaufland and Rewe, Edeka and Penny. Some also mineral oils or molds.
In contrast, all 5 organic spaghetti tested were WITHOUT these harmful substances. I searched a little further and found another survey from Italy, published 2 years ago by Salvagente, according to which 7 out of 20 Italian pastas contained glyphosate. Especially those containing cereals from EU and non-EU countries.
What is glyphosate?
Glyophosate is probably the most widely used herbicide in the world. Bayer-Monsanto, among others, sells it under what is probably the best-known brand name in Germany: Roundup. (Better check if you don’t have it in the garden shed…). For example, it is often used before the cereal grains are sown to rid the fields of weeds. Or it is also taken to public areas such as parks or railways. Many private households use it to make weed control in the garden easier.
How harmful is glyphosate?
This is difficult to research and I haven’t really found a clear answer. According to various surveys, including those by the WHO, the substance is probably carcinogenic and contributes significantly to the extinction of species. It can also be read that it harms unborn life and that people who come into direct contact with it (for example, when it is applied or, as in some countries, when it is sprayed from the air) are particularly at risk.
According to other surveys, this is contradicted. I guess it depends on one’ s interests.
Is glyphosate permitted?
Unfortunately, glyphosate is still authorised in the EU until the end of 2022. There will then be a transition year until the end of 2023. This applies to the authorization of the substance itself. Member States have the responsibility to approve or ban products containing glyphosate. I found it interesting that the approval is extended by 5 years instead of 15. I think it’s a sign that they’re not so sure after all. You can find out more about it on the EU website.
Germany has implemented the template since September last year. On the official page of the Federal Government can be found:
“In order to improve the living conditions for insects, the use of plant protection products will be significantly restricted. For example, the use of glyphosate in agriculture is only permitted until the end of 2023. Since September 8, 2021, the use of glyphosate directly before harvesting and on public green spaces, for example on children’s playgrounds and in private gardens, is generally prohibited.”
If you have 5 minutes, read the whole text on the website, it seems to me that there are more exceptions than prohibitions.
Conclusion?
Although the studies are contradictory, and there is no general ban yet, I don’t trust it. Although not everything is guaranteed to be healthy with organic products either, I have decided for myself to prefer organic wherever possible. Both fresh fruits and vegetables and other products.
