Oatmeal Test Reveals Concerns Over Mold Toxins and Pesticides
Oatmeal is not only a healthy choice but also a budget-friendly way to stay full. In a recent test of delicate oat flakes, many products received top marks. However, there were some issues uncovered as well. In certain products, the laboratory detected mold toxins and several pesticide residues.
Whether they are delicate, fine, or hearty, oat flakes are always whole grain. We tested 35 oatmeal products, including many organic options, labeled as delicate, extra delicate, extra fine, fine, or small flakes.
The results were promising, with 21 out of 35 delicate oat flakes receiving top grades. However, some products showed the presence of mold toxins like T-2 and HT-2, as well as multiple pesticide residues.
Oatmeal is a popular choice that can be enjoyed in various dishes like muesli, cakes, and pancakes. They are rich in fiber and packed with essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals such as magnesium and zinc.
After our test, we can recommend many delicate oat flakes for purchase. However, we also encountered some concerns. Certain oatmeal products were criticized because the laboratory found mold toxins and/or multiple pesticide residues.
The main point of criticism in this test is the contamination with mold toxins T-2 and HT-2. These toxins, mainly produced by Fusarium fungi, can be cytotoxic, attack the digestive tract, and weaken the immune system.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has recommended a maximum daily intake, known as a Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI), for T-2/HT-2 to be considered healthily tolerable over a long period. In our assessment, we align with this recommendation as the current legal limit allows for higher levels, which we believe are disconnected from toxicological findings.
In our test, six delicate oatmeal products would exceed more than half of the still tolerable daily intake for an adult weighing 60 kilograms if they consumed a 40-gram portion daily. Such levels are considered „elevated“ by our standards, as a child half that weight would already surpass the maximum acceptable dose of T-2/HT-2 with an equivalent portion of oat flakes. In two cases, the TDI was exceeded in the test.
Interestingly, predominantly conventionally grown oat flakes had heightened issues with mold toxins. The reason behind this pattern, which we have observed in previous tests as well, could be attributed to Fusarium toxins that develop depending on specific weather conditions in the field. Unlike conventional farmers, organic farmers are not allowed to use fungicides to combat these toxins. One possible explanation could be the common practice of crop rotation in organic farming, as certain crop rotations are known to reduce the risk of Fusarium.
There doesn’t appear to be a significant correlation between cultivation regions and T-2/HT-2 levels. Contaminated products come from both Germany and other European countries like Finland or Denmark.
In addition to mold toxins, we also found multiple pesticide residues in some delicate oat flakes during the test. While we only considered the levels as traces, we are concerned about the cumulative effect of these pesticides as their interactions have not been thoroughly researched. For products contaminated with two or more pesticides, we deducted points in our evaluation.
Among the detected pesticides, glyphosate was frequently found, suggesting a resurgence in its use in oat cultivation. Glyphosate is considered particularly concerning due to its impact on biodiversity and the unresolved suspicion of carcinogenic effects.
In a separate test, we examined hearty oat flakes in 2022. While many reputable brands were identified, mold toxins, pesticides, and mineral oil components tarnished the image of these healthy oat flakes.
Beta-glucans, a group of soluble fibers found in oat flakes, have gained attention in recent years for their potential to lower cholesterol levels. Many products in our test highlight this benefit, as high cholesterol is a risk factor for coronary heart disease.
The cholesterin-lowering effect of beta-glucans has scientific evidence to support it, allowing manufacturers to promote this claim on oatmeal packaging under the Health Claims Regulation. However, to achieve the desired effect, a daily intake of at least three grams of beta-glucans is required. It’s worth noting that 40 grams of oat flakes, our assumed daily portion, contain approximately 1.5 grams of beta-glucans, which may not be sufficient. A second portion of oat flakes or barley, another source of beta-glucans, may be needed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while oatmeal remains a popular and nutritious choice, our test revealed concerning levels of mold toxins and pesticide residues in some products. Consumers should be mindful of these findings and opt for brands with lower contaminant levels to ensure their well-being. As the demand for healthier food options rises, it is essential for manufacturers to prioritize the safety and quality of their products to meet consumer expectations and regulatory standards.