coratina, ogliarola barese, ogliarola Extra Virgin Olive oil
What Is Glyphosate? Why It’s Found Even in Organic Pasta
Glyphosate is the most widely used herbicide in the world. Originally patented by Monsanto in the 1970s under the brand name Roundup, it works by inhibiting an enzyme essential for plant growth. While highly effective in industrial agriculture for weed control, it has become a topic of serious concern for public health, especially when it ends up in food.
Why IT Is a Health Concern
Multiple studies have linked glyphosate exposure to potential health risks, particularly when consumed over time through food and water. Concerns include:
Endocrine disruption
Gut microbiome damage
Possible carcinogenic effects – In 2015, the World Health Organization’s IARC classified glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic to humans” (Group 2A)
Kidney and liver toxicity
Increased risk of chronic diseases, including infertility, immune disorders, and neurodegenerative conditions
Because this herbicide accumulate in the body over time, even trace amounts in everyday food can be problematic, especially for children and vulnerable individuals
Where Can IT Be Found in Food?
Glyphosate is commonly sprayed on:
Grains like wheat, oats, barley, and corn
Legumes, such as lentils, chickpeas, and soybeans
Fruits and vegetables exposed during industrial farming practices
Even more concerning is the use of this herbicide as a pre-harvest desiccant, especially on wheat. This practice accelerates drying and harvest, but leaves its residues in the grain.
Many consumers are shocked to learn that even organic pasta brands may contain glyphosate. How is this possible?
Cross-contamination during processing – Shared silos, mills, and factories that also handle conventional grains can introduce glyphosate residues.
Drift from neighboring conventional farms – Wind and water can carry it into organic fields.
Imported grains – Some Italian pasta brands use imported wheat, often from countries like Canada or the U.S., where glyphosate use is common and unregulated near harvest.
Lack of testing – Even within the EU, there is no mandatory glyphosate testing for organic certification. A product can be labeled “organic” without being tested for residues.
As a result, glyphosate in pasta is unfortunately widespread — and often undetectable without lab testing.
At Arte Agricola, we follow a unique path of complete autoproduction — growing, milling, and crafting everything ourselves. Our pasta begins in the fields of Puglia, where we cultivate the ancient Senatore Cappelli variety of durum wheat using sustainable, low-impact methods that honour the soil and the seasons.
This full control of the supply chain allows us to create a product that is not only delicious but also deeply honest and safe.
What Makes Our Pasta Unique:
🌾 Self-grown ancient wheat: We cultivate 100% Senatore Cappelli wheat, known for its rich nutritional profile, intense aroma, and easy digestibility.
🚜 Regenerative farming: No pesticides, no glyphosate, no soil tilling — we farm with care for biodiversity and long-term soil health.
🏭 Dedicated transformation: We mill and produce our pasta in small batches, in-house, using bronze dies and slow drying to preserve flavour and texture.
🔍 Traceability and purity: Every step happens within our supply chain, so we can guarantee glyphosate-free, high-quality pasta from our land to your plate.
By growing and crafting everything ourselves, we bring back the forgotten art of true Italian pasta — rooted in the land, and free from compromise.