The Glyphosate Testing and Findings
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) published testing in 2018 and subsequent years finding detectable levels of glyphosate in numerous oat-based products sold in the United States, including multiple Quaker Oats products. Glyphosate is the active ingredient in Monsanto/Bayer's Roundup herbicide and is used as a pre-harvest desiccant on oats -- sprayed on crops shortly before harvest to dry them more uniformly, a practice that results in residue in the harvested grain.
The levels found in Quaker products were generally below the EPA's tolerance limits for glyphosate residue in oats. However, the EWG applied more stringent thresholds based on the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment's analysis of glyphosate's carcinogenic properties -- an analysis that reflects scientific debate about glyphosate's health effects that has not been definitively resolved.
The 'Natural' Labeling Problem
The lawsuits do not primarily argue that Quaker products are unsafe at current consumption levels. Instead, they advance a consumer deception theory: Quaker uses 'natural' and '100% natural' in its marketing, and a reasonable consumer purchasing oatmeal labeled as natural does not expect it to contain synthetic herbicide residues from industrial agricultural practices.
The FDA has not defined 'natural' for food labeling purposes, creating an exploitable gap in labeling standards. Courts have generally found that consumer protection claims can proceed even absent a specific regulatory definition of 'natural,' because the question of what a reasonable consumer understands 'natural' to mean is a factual issue for juries. Similar natural labeling cases have resulted in significant settlements. Related: Simply Orange 'all natural' false advertising lawsuit.
The Science of Glyphosate Safety
Glyphosate's safety has been one of the most contested questions in agricultural toxicology. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified glyphosate as 'probably carcinogenic to humans' in 2015. The EPA has maintained that glyphosate is not likely to be carcinogenic to humans when used as directed. The scientific debate reflects genuine uncertainty and methodological disagreements between regulatory agencies.
This scientific dispute matters for the litigation because Quaker can argue its products comply with all applicable safety standards. Plaintiffs respond that safety compliance does not insulate the company from consumer protection claims about the accuracy of its marketing claims -- a legally distinct question from whether the product harms health.
Who Qualifies for the Quaker Oats Lawsuit
Consumers who purchased Quaker oatmeal, granola, or related products marketed with natural labeling claims within the applicable statute of limitations (generally four years in California) may qualify. The strongest claims belong to consumers who purchased specifically based on the natural marketing and who would have purchased differently or paid less had they known about glyphosate residues.
Preserve any receipts or loyalty card purchase records. Class action participation typically requires only a simple claim form submission once a settlement is reached.
Case Status 2026
The Quaker Oats glyphosate litigation has been ongoing since 2018. Some cases have settled, while others continue on related claims. Quaker has repeatedly challenged the scientific basis of the claims and argued EPA compliance as a defense. As of 2026, related proceedings continue, and new natural labeling claims may be filed as testing data is updated.
How to Get Legal Help
If you believe you qualify based on the eligibility criteria described above, the next step is a free consultation with an experienced attorney. Most plaintiff-side attorneys handling these cases work on contingency -- meaning you pay nothing unless your case results in a recovery. Bring any relevant documentation including receipts, correspondence, or evidence of the harm you experienced.
To stay current on case developments, claim deadlines, and settlement news, bookmark this page and subscribe to LawsuitWatch alerts. Coverage is updated as new court filings, settlement announcements, and eligibility changes are made public.
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Quaker Oats Lawsuit: Pesticide Residues & 100% Natural Claims: Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions about this case and your legal options.
Does Quaker Oats contain pesticides?
Testing by the Environmental Working Group found detectable glyphosate residue in multiple Quaker products. The levels are generally below EPA tolerance limits.
Is Quaker Oats safe to eat?
The FDA and EPA have not issued recalls or safety warnings for Quaker products. The ongoing scientific debate about glyphosate's carcinogenicity is not definitively resolved, but current regulatory standards consider Quaker's glyphosate levels compliant.
Did Quaker Oats settle the lawsuit?
Some early glyphosate-related claims against Quaker were resolved. Ongoing natural labeling litigation continues as of 2026.
What does 'natural' mean on a food label?
The FDA has not formally defined 'natural' for food labeling. The agency has stated informally that it considers 'natural' to mean nothing artificial or synthetic has been added to the food that wouldn't normally be expected. The lawsuits argue that glyphosate residue violates this informal standard.
What is glyphosate and why is it in oats?
Glyphosate is the active ingredient in Roundup herbicide. It is used as a pre-harvest desiccant on oat crops -- applied before harvest to dry plants uniformly -- which results in residue on the harvested grain.