Florida officials found glyphosate—an agricultural weed killer linked by state health leaders to gut and liver concerns—in six of eight tested bread products from national brands also sold in the US Virgin Islands. Photo: VIC

The findings were announced during a press conference in Lake Worth Beach, Florida on Thursday, after independent laboratory testing conducted as part of a Florida-led initiative examining contaminants in everyday foods. State officials said glyphosate was detected in six of eight bread products tested, with some results reaching what were described as “triple-digit” levels when measured in parts per billion. All detected levels, however, remain below federal safety thresholds established by the US Environmental Protection Agency.

The announcement was made at Palm Beach State College by Governor Ron D. DeSantis, First Lady Casey DeSantis, and Florida Surgeon General Dr Joseph Ladapo, who framed the disclosure as an effort to increase transparency and give families more information about what is in the foods they consume.

Officials noted that while the results comply with current federal standards, they are concerned about chronic, long-term exposure to glyphosate. The chemical is the active ingredient in weed control products such as Roundup and is widely used in agriculture.

Potential health issues

Dr Ladapo cited research linking glyphosate exposure to a range of potential health issues, including disruptions to the gut microbiome, liver inflammation, fatty liver disease, weakening of the blood-brain barrier, and possible adverse effects on the nervous system. He also noted that approximately 80 percent of Americans have detectable levels of glyphosate in their urine, highlighting the pervasiveness of exposure.

“This is something that basically doesn't seem to have a safe level of exposure,” Dr Ladapo said.

The Florida Department of Health tested eight bread varieties from five national brands commonly found in grocery stores. Results were reported in parts per billion (ppb), with the highest concentrations generally found in white and wheat-based breads. Federal pesticide residue limits range from 0.1 to 400 parts per million, meaning the detected amounts—fractions of a part per million—are considered compliant under current EPA regulations.

The detailed results released by Florida officials are as follows:

• Sara Lee – Honey Wheat: 191.04 ppb

• Nature’s Own – Butter Bread: 190.23 ppb

• Wonder Bread – Classic White: 173.19 ppb

• Nature’s Own – Perfectly Crafted White: 132.34 ppb

• Dave’s Killer Bread – White Done Right: 11.85 ppb

• Dave’s Killer Bread – 21 Whole Grain: 10.38 ppb

• Sara Lee – Artesano White: Non-detect

• Pepperidge Farm – Farmhouse Hearty White: Non-detect

First Lady Casey DeSantis described the findings as “a major disconnect,” noting that glyphosate is labeled as unsafe for direct human ingestion and is meant to be kept out of reach of children.

“It's not meant to be eaten,” she said.

In additional remarks, she stated, “The results from the Florida Department of Health’s analysis of bread testing results show troubling levels of glyphosate. Consumers deserve to know what chemical contaminants are in their food so that they can make informed decisions.” She also said that shoppers enter grocery stores expecting products to be safe and free from pesticides and heavy metals.

The bread testing represents the third phase of Florida’s Healthy Florida First initiative, which focuses on accountability in the food supply and the role of environmental factors in chronic disease. Earlier phases examined 24 infant formula products, revealing elevated levels of mercury, arsenic, cadmium, and lead, and 46 candy products, where arsenic was found in 28 samples.

More tests coming

Governor DeSantis said additional categories of food will be tested in the coming months.

State officials also addressed arguments that reducing or eliminating glyphosate would disrupt food production. Dr. Ladapo rejected that premise, saying, “There is an alternative to poisoning people. It is possible to grow food in a sustainable way that doesn't involve folks ingesting stuff that makes them sick.”

The full dataset and related information have been made publicly available on the state’s website, exposingfoodtoxins.com, which was launched to support the initiative.

The disclosure has fueled discussion on social media and in news outlets, with some advocates calling for stronger federal regulation and increased reliance on organic farming practices that avoid pre-harvest use of desiccants like glyphosate on wheat.