Trenton, N.J. – A study circulating nationally about weedkiller detected in common bread products has drawn no public response from New Jersey officials, even as Florida leaders publicly promote test results showing measurable levels of glyphosate in popular brands sold on grocery shelves.
That same component is found in the popular Monsato weed killing product RoundUp, however the study did not name any associated weedkiller brands.
Glyphosate has highly toxic potential, causing issues like irritation, nausea, and developmental problems at high doses, though regulatory agencies like the U.S. EPA state it’s not a cancer risk with proper use; however, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies it as “probably carcinogenic,” highlighting ongoing scientific debate over its safety, especially regarding long-term, low-level exposure and effects on the gut microbiome.
The issue centers on findings released through Healthy Florida First, a state-backed initiative that commissioned independent testing of bread products widely available in Florida. The testing found detectable levels of glyphosate, a commonly used herbicide, in six of eight breads sampled from major national brands.
Despite the attention generated by the Florida announcement, New Jersey agencies have not issued statements, advisories, or guidance addressing whether similar testing has been conducted or whether consumers in the state should be concerned about bread products sold locally.
None of the major brands cited have responded to the claim.
Florida health officials said the testing expanded earlier state efforts that focused on infant formula and candy. According to the published results, glyphosate levels ranged from just over 10 parts per billion to more than 190 parts per billion, depending on the brand and product tested.
Brands with reported triple-digit levels included Nature’s Own Butter Bread, Nature’s Own Perfectly Crafted White, Wonder Bread Classic White, and Sara Lee Honey Wheat. Other products, including Sara Lee Artesano White and Pepperidge Farm Farmhouse Hearty White, showed no detectable glyphosate under the testing method used. Dave’s Killer Bread varieties tested showed lower levels than most other products sampled.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis publicly addressed the findings, praising First Lady Casey DeSantis for her role in launching Healthy Florida First and framing the testing as part of a broader effort to provide consumers with information about food products sold in the state.
Key points from the Florida bread testing include:
- Glyphosate was detected in 6 of 8 bread products tested by the Florida Department of Health.
- Measured levels ranged from 10.38 ppb to 191.04 ppb, depending on the brand.
- Two bread products tested showed no detectable glyphosate under the testing threshold.
Healthy Florida First officials said detailed brand-by-brand results were made available to the public to encourage transparency and allow families to make their own purchasing decisions. The initiative has emphasized that the findings are informational and not a regulatory ban on bread products.
As of February, Florida has not enacted any prohibition on bread sales linked to the testing results. No comparable testing program or public comment has been announced by New Jersey officials, leaving questions unanswered about whether similar contaminants have been measured in bread products sold in the state.
