How the Make America Healthy Again Movement Aims to Remove Toxic Chemicals in Food

Kristina Reynolds
4 hours ago
4 min read

Glyphosate, the active ingredient in the widely used herbicide Roundup, is sprayed routinely on crops across the United States. Despite its prevalence in the US, over 30 countries have banned glyphosate and similar toxic chemicals due to mounting evidence linking them to serious health problems. Studies have connected glyphosate exposure to many health risks including multiple types of cancer, liver disease, and kidney disease. This post explores the risks associated with glyphosate, the global response to its use, and how the Make America Healthy Again movement is working to protect public health by pushing for stronger regulations, or a ban on these harmful chemicals in food production.

Eye-level view of a soybean field heavily sprayed with herbicide — The Make America Healthy Again movement is working to protect public health by pushing for a ban on harmful chemicals in food production.

What Is Glyphosate and Why Is It Used?

Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum herbicide introduced in the 1970s. It became popular because it effectively kills weeds without harming genetically modified crops designed to resist it. Farmers use glyphosate to control weeds and increase crop yields, which has made it a staple in modern agriculture.

However, glyphosate is not without controversy. It is sprayed not only during the growing season but also as a desiccant to dry crops before harvest. This practice increases the chemical residue on food products, raising concerns about human exposure.

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), "glyphosate often leaves residues on genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Because over 89% of U.S. corn, soy, and cotton are engineered to be Roundup Ready, these crops are designed to withstand direct, high-volume spraying, which frequently results in higher concentrations of glyphosate residues on the food products".

Health Risks Linked to Glyphosate Exposure

Scientific research has increasingly pointed to the dangers of glyphosate. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization, classified glyphosate as "probably carcinogenic to humans" in 2015. This classification was based on evidence linking glyphosate to non-Hodgkin lymphoma and other cancers.

Beyond cancer, studies have found associations between glyphosate exposure and liver and kidney diseases. For example, research published in the journal Environmental Sciences Europe found that glyphosate residues in food and water may contribute to chronic kidney disease, especially in agricultural communities with high exposure.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has maintained that glyphosate is safe when used as directed, but this position has faced criticism for relying on industry-funded studies and ignoring independent research.

Global Response: Bans and Restrictions on Glyphosate

More than 30 countries have banned or restricted glyphosate use due to health and environmental concerns. These countries include:

Austria
Belgium
Canada
Denmark
France
Germany
Italy
Netherlands
Mexico
Vietnam

These bans reflect a precautionary approach to protect citizens from potential harm. Many European countries have also set strict limits on glyphosate residues in food and water.

By contrast, the United States continues to allow widespread glyphosate use, with few restrictions. This regulatory gap has sparked activism and public demand for change.

The Make America Healthy Again Movement’s Role

The Make America Healthy Again movement is a grassroots coalition focused on reducing toxic chemicals in food and the environment. It advocates for policies that prioritize public health over corporate profits and chemical industry interests.

The Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement advocates for prioritizing public health by targeting, reducing, or banning food additives, artificial dyes, and pesticides while promoting "food as medicine" initiatives and stricter corporate accountability. It pushes to curb environmental toxins.

Key strategies and focus areas include:

Food and agricultural reform
Environmental action
Regulatory changes
Legislative initiatives

Key Actions by the Movement

Raising Awareness: The movement educates consumers about glyphosate’s risks through community events, social media campaigns, and partnerships with health professionals.
Supporting Legislation: It backs bills at state and federal levels aimed at banning glyphosate and other harmful pesticides from food production.
Promoting Organic Farming: The movement encourages farmers to adopt organic and regenerative agriculture practices that avoid synthetic chemicals.
Legal Challenges: It supports lawsuits against chemical companies for misleading the public about glyphosate’s safety.

Success Stories

In some states, the movement’s efforts have led to temporary bans or restrictions on glyphosate use in public spaces such as parks and schools. These victories demonstrate growing public concern and the potential for broader policy changes.

Although this is a positive step, further actions are necessary to ensure these bans become permanent and safeguard our food supplies.

This official USDA Organic seal is the only seal that ensures the product meets all organic standards.

What Consumers Can Do

While policy changes take time, consumers can take steps to reduce their glyphosate exposure:

Choose organic produce when possible, as organic farming prohibits synthetic herbicides.

Select foods that display the official USDA Organic seal to guarantee compliance with all organic standards. This also applies to non-produce items such as rice and oats.

Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly to remove surface residues.
Support local farmers who use sustainable practices.
Advocate for stronger regulations by contacting elected officials and participating in public hearings.

If you believe your health may be compromised due to exposure to toxins or chemicals, consider consulting an integrative or functional medicine provider for advanced testing and treatment options.

The Future of Food Safety and Chemical Use

The debate over glyphosate highlights a larger issue: how to balance agricultural productivity with health and environmental safety. The Make America Healthy Again movement pushes for a future where food is grown without harmful chemicals, protecting both people and the planet.

As more research emerges and public pressure grows, the U.S. may follow other countries in restricting or banning glyphosate. Until then, movements like Make America Healthy Again play a crucial role in keeping this issue in the spotlight and pushing for safer food systems.

Protecting health starts with informed choices and collective action. By understanding the risks of glyphosate and supporting efforts to ban toxic chemicals, we can help build a healthier future for all.

This article is part of an informative and practical series that focuses on the impact of chemical exposure in our food and environment on chronic health conditions in the US. For further details, you may also read:

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