What We Know About Glyphosate & Why We Choose Organic
Seasons of healing like pregnancy and postpartum are times when I think a little more intentionally about what I put into my body. We try to do this in all seasons, but especially during times our body is more susceptible to toxins. It’s impossible to live in a totally non-toxic, perfectly “clean” bubble, but when something is going into my body every single day, I want the food to be as nourishing and minimally exposed to unnecessary chemicals as reasonably possible.
One of the chemicals that has been a catalyst to me thinking more about food quality is glyphosate.
What is glyphosate?
Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum herbicide used to control weeds. It is one of the most widely used herbicides in the world and is used on many agricultural crops as well as in non-agricultural settings.
Glyphosate is also the active ingredient historically associated with Roundup, which is commonly used across the United States.
In recent news, Glyphosate has been a hot topic, for good reason. The EPA has historically concluded that glyphosate is not likely to be carcinogenic to humans when used according to the label, while the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization, classified glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic to humans” in 2015. These conclusions differ partly because the organizations use different approaches to evaluating hazard and risk.
With more Americans being concerned about glyphosate exposure, with moms leading the charge, this debate is far from over.
Photo taken at the People VS Poison rally In April of 2026 with Vani Hari
The glyphosate controversy isn't going away
Bayer, the company that acquired Monsanto, has faced a massive amount of litigation alleging that Roundup exposure contributed to cancer. The company has set aside billions of dollars for Roundup-related litigation, and in 2026 proposed a nationwide class settlement funded at up to $7.25 billion, while continuing to dispute that its products cause cancer.
While the science and safety debate continues, there is also a major legal battle happening behind the scenes. Bayer has been pushing for greater legal protection from Roundup lawsuits, and in June 2026 the Supreme Court ruled in its favor on a case involving whether people can sue under state law for the company's failure to include a cancer warning on the product label. This doesn't give Bayer blanket immunity, but it does make certain types of lawsuits much harder to pursue.
That might sound really discouraging, but there is hope. In August 2026, the EPA released a comprehensive literature search as part of its ongoing human-health reassessment of glyphosate. Then, on September 22, 2026, the EPA and HHS announced a new scientific partnership to coordinate research into questions including human exposure, dietary exposure, reproductive and developmental effects, cancer and the effects of glyphosate formulations. The EPA says its updated human-health risk assessment is expected in the coming months.
So, long story short is we don’t have answers yet, but there is growing pressure being put on Bayer and concern of these chemicals.
How are we exposed to glyphosate?
Glyphosate can be used in agriculture, including on crops and around fields. Residues can therefore make their way into the food supply. One way researchers measure exposure is by looking for glyphosate and its metabolite AMPA in urine. Glyphosate doesn't stay in the body indefinitely. Urinary testing can detect relatively recent exposure.
In one dietary intervention study, researchers found that urinary glyphosate levels dropped by about 71% after participants switched from a conventional diet to an organic diet, showing that being intentional with your food choices makes a difference.
More recently, a 2026 study from NYU Langone involving 1,450 pregnant women found that women with higher urinary glyphosate levels during mid-pregnancy were more likely to experience spontaneous preterm birth. This was an observational study, so it cannot prove that glyphosate caused the earlier births, but it adds to the questions researchers are continuing to investigate.
Why does this matter during pregnancy and postpartum?
Pregnancy is an especially important time to think about what we're exposed to because a baby's development is happening rapidly. That doesn't mean you need to panic about a conventional apple you ate last week but it does mean when I have an easy opportunity to reduce an unnecessary exposure, I’ll take it.
That's especially true during pregnancy, postpartum and breastfeeding, when we're already putting so much emphasis on nourishing the body with quality food.
Why we choose organic
This is one reason organic food is important to us at Restorative Roots.
Organic doesn't mean “pesticide-free,” and organic farming can use certain pesticides and other crop-protection products. But under USDA organic standards, synthetic substances are generally prohibited unless they are specifically allowed on the National List, and glyphosate is prohibited in organic crop production.
For us, choosing organic is simply one practical way to reduce our exposure to certain synthetic agricultural chemicals while prioritizing nutrient-dense, nourishing food. That philosophy carries through to our meals. We don't want to make food for new moms using cheap ingredients simply because they're convenient. We want the food you're eating during recovery to actually be good food.
Can't afford organic everything? Start here.
If buying everything organic isn't realistic for your family, use the EWG Clean Fifteen and Dirty Dozen as a guide. The Dirty Dozen examines produce most contaminated by pesticides and the Clean Fifteen containing the least amount of contamination. The list is updated annually using USDA pesticide-residue data.
The 2026 Dirty Dozen includes produce such as spinach, strawberries, grapes, peaches, apples and blueberries, while the Clean Fifteen includes foods like avocados, onions, cabbage, cauliflower, watermelon, bananas and kiwi.
If your grocery budget only allows you to buy some things organic, prioritize the produce that tends to carry more pesticide residues and buy conventional options when that makes sense for your budget. Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is still important.
Washing Produce to Minimize Exposure
At minimum, wash your produce well under running water. That's the FDA's recommendation, particularly for reducing dirt and potential foodborne pathogens.
One simple thing you can do at home is wash your produce with baking soda or apple cider vinegar. Both may help remove certain surface pesticide residues more effectively than water alone. One study on apples found that a baking soda wash was especially effective at removing two pesticides from the surface.
We recommend washing your produce whether it’s conventional or organic. Every little step helps! Just choose baking soda or ACV, not both, since combining them largely neutralizes each other.
Other Common Sources of Glyphosate & Simple Ways to Reduce Exposure
Glyphosate exposure can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to change everything overnight. Start with the foods you eat most often and make small, intentional swaps where you can.
-
Grains & cereals: Oats, wheat, flour, bread, and granola can be potential sources. Try: Choose organic oats and grain products, or look for brands that avoid pre-harvest glyphosate use.
-
Beans & legumes: Lentils, chickpeas, dry beans, and peas may contain residues. Try: Buy organic varieties when practical, especially if you eat them regularly.
-
Corn, soy & sugar: These crops may be treated with glyphosate in conventional farming. Try: Choose organic corn and soy products and organic sugar when it fits your budget.
-
Drinking water: Agricultural runoff can contribute to glyphosate in water supplies. Try: If you use well water or live near heavily farmed land, consider testing your water and choosing a filter specifically certified or tested for glyphosate reduction.
-
Clothing & household textiles: Glyphosate may be used during cotton production, but exposure from finished clothing is not well established. Try: Choose organic cotton for clothing, bedding, and towels when you’re able.
-
Toilet paper & paper products: These are sometimes discussed as potential sources, but evidence that they contribute meaningfully to everyday exposure is limited. Try: Choose recycled or unbleached options.
You Can't Control Everything, But You Can Be Intentional
You can't avoid every chemical or environmental exposure, and honestly, I don't think we need to drive ourselves crazy trying. But we can pay attention to the things we have some control over.
We know glyphosate exposure is common, we know it can show up in our urine, and researchers are still looking at what repeated exposure may mean for things like pregnancy, development and long-term health. Do we know everything about it yet? No. And I actually hope some of the concerns turn out to be less significant than we think.
When I'm pregnant, postpartum or feeding my family, I keep coming back to a pretty simple mindset: if I can choose the option with fewer unnecessary chemicals, why wouldn't I?
For me, choosing organic isn't about being perfect or being afraid of food. It's just one more way I can be intentional about what I'm putting into my body every day.
Real Food for the Postpartum Season
This is exactly why we created Restorative Roots. Our meals are made specifically to nourish women through postpartum recovery and other seasons of healing, using organic and regenerative ingredients whenever possible.
Real food, thoughtfully made, delivered straight to your door.
Want more from Holly?
Join our founder, Holly, in her weekly email for simple mom-to-mom tips, recipes, clean products she loves, helpful resources and exclusive discounts.
SOURCES:
NYU Langone: Exposure to Weed Killer During Pregnancy May Increase Risk of Preterm Birth — A July 2026 study of 1,450 pregnant women found that higher urinary glyphosate levels during mid-pregnancy were associated with a higher likelihood of spontaneous preterm birth. The researchers emphasize that the study does not prove glyphosate causes preterm birth.
EPA & HHS: New Scientific Partnership on Glyphosate — In September 2026, the EPA and HHS announced a new partnership to investigate unanswered questions around glyphosate, including human exposure, dietary exposure, reproductive and developmental effects, cancer and glyphosate formulations. EPA says its updated human-health assessment is expected in late 2026.
Organic Diet Study: Urinary Glyphosate Levels — A 2020 dietary intervention study found that urinary glyphosate levels dropped by about 71% after participants switched to an organic diet.
Organic Diet & Glyphosate Exposure During Pregnancy — A randomized crossover trial specifically looked at urinary glyphosate levels among pregnant participants consuming organic versus conventional diets.
EPA: Glyphosate — Get the Facts — For a look at the regulatory perspective, EPA's current page explains its position on glyphosate, its ongoing reassessment and how it differs from IARC's cancer classification.
U.S. Supreme Court: Monsanto v. Durnell — The June 2026 Supreme Court decision is useful for understanding the ongoing legal controversy surrounding Roundup and cancer-warning claims.
Leave a comment