An extraordinary turn of events has occurred regarding glyphosate levels in Banza pasta.
One year ago, Moms Across America released testing results showing elevated levels of glyphosate in Banza pasta products. Rather than dismissing the findings, Banza chose to take action. Then, Moms Across America purchased 18 samples of CleanScan certified Banza pasta from retail stores and tested them at two independent laboratories: Health Research Institute Laboratories and Genista Biosciences laboratory. The results reveal a remarkable reduction in
glyphosate residues, with all but one result below 10 parts per billion (ppb), the threshold considered non-detectable in most labs, and the single highest result only slightly above it, at 10.29 ppb The Banza pasta new test results are more than 543x lower than the level detected in the original testing. Even the highest level found was 275x lower than the previous results, and when cooked according to package directions, glyphosate levels in that sample were non-detectable. These findings demonstrate that meaningful reductions in
pesticide residues are achievable when food companies prioritize cleaner sourcing, stronger supplier standards, and ongoing verification testing.
Moms Across America and Banza partnered to test the same type and additional types of Banza pasta samples: purchased locally by Moms Across America, sent unopened to the laboratory, and tested by both Geneva Labs and Moms Across America’s choice of Health Research Institute.
The results were:
- Average glyphosate across all 18 samples was <10 ppb, which is non-detectable (ND) in most labs
- Highest glyphosate level found: 10.29 ppb, which is 275.72x lower than the first test of 2,836 ppb, and after cooking this sample according to instructions on the box, the levels were undetectable
- The levels of glyphosate found in Banza pasta are comparable to the levels detected in the highest quality organic products. These low levels of glyphosate are commonly detected in most crops today, due to the fact that glyphosate is so widely used that small amounts are carried into even organic fields via the rain, air, and irrigation contamination. Fields where glyphosate was applied before transition to organic or glyphosate-free production can still contain small amounts of glyphosate as well. The low levels found in the Banza products indicate no intentional use of glyphosate on the crops.
It is clear that Banza has dramatically changed its sourcing practices and taken meaningful action to reduce glyphosate as verified by its Clean Scan Certification of its products.
These samples would also meet the standards for the Tested Clean Certification for glyphosate as tested by the Health Research Institute.
With results showing levels hundreds of times lower than our original test, Banza has demonstrated that significant improvement is not only possible in theory, but achievable in practice for a whole line of products. We are thrilled to share that Banza now stands as a shining example of what the food industry can accomplish when companies take consumer health concerns seriously. Banza is a model for the entire food industry, and we wholeheartedly encourage all food companies to follow Banza's lead. When brands listen to their consumers' concerns and take action, the results speak for themselves. Thank you, Banza!!!
Cooked report:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fbekO1T92bvSbQGCbg6-BOFghJ_n6s8M/view?usp=sharing
How Banza Responded to the Initial Results
When Moms Across America published its glyphosate report in 2024, Banza was surprised by the results and took them seriously. As a first step, the company commissioned independent testing on the same lot and released a statement with context and results. Rather than treat the matter as a closed chapter, Banza used the moment to strengthen its grower standards and add visibility into how its chickpeas are farmed.
What Banza Changed:
- Shifted sourcing to naturally dry growing regions. Chickpeas must be harvested dry to avoid spoilage. Dry climates let the crop mature and dry in the field naturally, without chemical intervention. By sourcing from dry-climate regions, Banza addressed the risk at its source.
- Formalized a desiccant-free commitment with its farming partners. Desiccation at harvest is the highest-risk point for glyphosate to come into contact with chickpeas. Avoiding it was already Banza's expectation with its growers; in 2024 the company made it a contractual requirement, prohibiting farming partners from using glyphosate and other chemical desiccants at harvest.
- Earned The Detox Project's CleanScan Certification. To hold the certification, Banza's products must test non-detect for glyphosate and more than 400 pesticides through independent, ISO-accredited labs. Because the program, not Banza, sets the testing requirements, the certification serves as an independent measure of compliance.
- Opened its test results to consumers. Results are updated on an ongoing basis and accessible via the QR code on Banza packaging or at the CleanScan landing page.
Banza’s dramatic improvement serves as a powerful example for consumers who speak up, the importance of our independent testing, and the food industry. The food manufacturers have the ability to dramatically improve food quality, and Banza has demonstrated this in an exemplary manner. By strengthening grower requirements, sourcing from regions where chickpeas can naturally dry in the field, prohibiting glyphosate desiccation practices, and embracing independent third-party certification and testing, Banza has shown that companies can respond to consumer concerns with transparency and measurable results.
We are thrilled to share these findings and hope they inspire other food manufacturers to take similar steps toward producing cleaner, healthier food for families everywhere!
Once again, we thank Banza for their commitment and our supporters for funding the testing that prompted these bold actions.
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Please note that the test results, while indicative of Banza pasta’s commitment, do not guarantee similar results in future production of Banza pasta. Moms Across America is not claiming any responsibility for glyphosate levels in any other samples. However, these results clearly show that seeking the Clean Scan Certification or the HRI Tested Clean certification can indicate a safer choice to avoid glyphosate and pesticides in your pasta