Gov. Ron DeSantis and other Florida officials shared the results of new independent testing, revealing the presence of glyphosate, a common pesticide used to kill weeds, in several popular bread products.
It marks the third round of testing as part of the Healthy Florida First initiative, which aims to improve "the lives of Floridians by reducing chronic disease, strengthening nutrition programs, and empowering families with better choices."
The Florida Department of Health evaluated data based on results from certified third-party labs. According to Florida's First Lady Casey DeSantis, bread brands were tested for a wide range of substances, including heavy metals, pesticides and other chemical contaminants to provide a broader picture of what consumers might be exposed to.
State officials said glyphosate was found in various breads, including Nature's Own Butter Bread, Nature's Own Perfectly Crafted White, Dave's Killer Bread White Done Right, Dave's Killer Bread 21 Whole Grain, Wonder Bread's Classic White and Sara Lee's Honey Wheat.
"It is designed to kill plants. It is not meant to be eaten. The labels on glyphosate-based pesticides clearly warn that the chemicals are harmful and must be kept out of reach from children," the First Lady said at a press conference on Thursday. "In fact, they contain emergency instructions for accidental exposure and make clear these products are not meant for people to touch, not meant for to be in the food and certainly not meant to be consumed. And yet — here we are with these findings."
