PRESS RELEASES

Yesterday, The Guardian reported on the widespread use of PFAS in U.S. pesticides—information previously denied by the Environmental Protection Agency—bringing a new level of attention to PFAS in the U.S. food system. PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” have received growing consumer, media, and regulatory attention because of their linkage to cancer, kidney disease, liver problems, immune disorders, and other health and environmental impacts. 

In a first-of-its-kind study, researchers at the University of California, Berkeley discovered several toxic metals in 30 tampons across 18 product lines from 14 major tampon brands, fueling widespread doubt about the safety of this commonly used product and their manufacturers.

A team of scientists recently discovered glyphosate, the world’s most common weed killer, in more than 55% of sperm samples from a French infertility clinic. The study suggests a significant positive correlation between glyphosate presence in human sperm and a negative impact on reproductive health. Glyphosate is one of the most widely used herbicides in the U.S. food system despite being labeled a probable carcinogen by the World Health Organization in 2015.

Kellanova, previously the Kellogg Company, released results today from its annual general meeting. Shareholders showed strong support for an As You Sow proposal calling on the company to disclose risks from pesticide use in its supply chain. Pesticides in agricultural supply chains have multiple cumulative environmental and social impacts that present a material risk to Kellanova. 

As You Sow released its third “Pesticides in the Pantry” report today, ranking 17 major food manufacturing companies on their progress in pesticide reduction and the adoption of regenerative agricultural practices. 

A new report released today by As You Sow and the National Confectioners Association is the result of a three-year effort by a multi-disciplinary panel of four experts regarding the sources of lead and cadmium in cocoa and chocolate and how levels may be reduced in the future.

In a win for climate, biodiversity, and environmental justice, 33.7% — representing more than $13 billion in assets — of Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) shareholders supported an environmental health resolution filed by shareholder representative As You Sow.

Following engagement with As You Sow, Restaurant Brands International (RBI), owner of Burger King, Popeyes, and Tim Hortons, today committed to eliminating PFAS from its food packaging by 2025 in all stores worldwide.

New testing data released by consumer protection group As You Sow finds cadmium, a non-essential heavy metal, in a range of spinach products.

Today, As You Sow released its second edition of Pesticides in the Pantry: Transparency & Risk in Food Supply Chains, a report examining the growing risk to food manufacturers posed by the use of synthetic pesticides in agricultural supply chains.