This reference document from Health Research Institute (HRI) Laboratories explains the detection thresholds and methodology used in their glyphosate testing programs. HRI Labs has been at the forefront of glyphosate testing in food, water, and biological samples, conducting testing for Moms Across America and other organizations seeking to understand real-world glyphosate exposure levels.
The document details the sensitivity of their LC-MS/MS (liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry) testing method, which can detect glyphosate at levels as low as 0.02 parts per billion (ppb) in water and urine, and 10 ppb in food samples. This sensitivity is critical because many regulatory limits were established when testing technology was far less precise.
HRI Labs explains that their testing has consistently detected glyphosate in samples that regulatory agencies might classify as 'safe' or 'non-detect' using older, less sensitive methodologies. This has important implications for how safety standards are set and enforced.
Key Findings
- •LC-MS/MS methodology can detect glyphosate at levels as low as 0.02 ppb in water and biological samples.
- •Many existing regulatory safety thresholds were established using less sensitive detection methods, potentially underestimating true exposure.
- •Glyphosate is routinely detected in samples that would register as 'non-detect' under older ELISA-based testing protocols.
- •AMPA (glyphosate's metabolite) is also measured, providing a more complete picture of total glyphosate exposure.
- •Testing methodology is validated and accredited for research and commercial testing applications.
Methodology
The document describes HRI Labs' use of LC-MS/MS (liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry) with isotope-dilution quantification. Method validation includes spike-and-recovery experiments, matrix-matched calibration curves, and inter-laboratory comparison studies. Detection limits, quantification limits, and accuracy/precision data are reported for food, water, and biological matrices.
Why This Matters for Families
Understanding testing thresholds helps families make informed decisions about food safety. When regulatory agencies say glyphosate is 'not detected,' it may simply mean their testing method wasn't sensitive enough. Families should look for products tested using modern LC-MS/MS methods and seek out foods with truly non-detectable levels.
Original Source
/data