Source: POLITICO'S MORNING AGRICULTURE, 8/21/18

Last week's media frenzy — and large dose of scientific criticism — over the Environmental Working Group's glyphosate residues report, which found trace amounts of the herbicide in popular foods like cereal, oatmeal and snack bars, has prompted a renewed focus on what FDA is up to on glyphosate these days.

The EWG report, released last week, caused an outcry on the internet, especially from parents who were concerned because they frequently feed their children foods that were listed, such as Cheerios, Quaker Oats and Lucky Charms. Many of those who commented on the report pointed to the recent $289 million jury verdict against Monsanto, the maker of glyphosate, for the cancer diagnosis of a former groundskeeper who had regularly used the company's weedkiller Roundup, which contains the herbicide.

FDA on the case: The agency in 2016 decided to start testing certain foods for glyphosate residue in light of increasing consumer and activist concerns, but it has not released data from the project. This week, FDA said its testing project has been completed and "the results are being evaluated and those results will be included when the agency releases the 2017 pesticide report." It could be a two-year process for the results to be posted, the agency added.

Schumer wants the data: Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer jumped into the fray on Sunday, calling on the agency to release the results of its residue testing. "Simply put, the FDA must not only weed out the facts on glyphosate, but they must update the public on their progress," he said. "I have full confidence in their ability to effectively continue this study, but we are here to send them a message: get going."

Early results: FDA said it found no pesticide residue violations for glyphosate in "preliminary testing" of samples of soybeans, corn, milk and eggs conducted between 2016 and 2017.

Expanded testing: An FDA spokesperson said Monday the agency is stepping up residue testing efforts more broadly: "This year, FDA has expanded capacity for testing for glyphosate, 2,4-D and dicamba as part of the general panel of pesticides the agency samples and the related results will be included in the 2018 and future pesticide monitoring reports."