We read in international media this week that “four out of five Americans test positive for little-known toxic chemical found in CHEERIOS that may cause infertility and delay puberty” should be of interest to Barbadians. Barbados is loosely referred to as the NCD capital of the world. Oftentimes the unflattering reference obesity is included in the unflattering label.

Let us be honest, a majority of Barbadians struggle with managing a healthy lifestyle, we observe daily the large number of overweight and obese individuals. What confidence do we have that findings mentioned will influence the eating habits of Bajans and as important encourage public health authorities to be more aggressive in disseminating information and screening for poisonous foods crossing our border?

Kudos to those responsible for lobbying to have octagon labels placed on foods to detail fat, sugar and other content so that consumers make informed choices.

Back to the topic matter – what are local health officials position on the chemical found in CHEERIOS?

Are local officials sufficiently vigilant guarding Barbadians against imported products flavoured with chlormequat and other similar products? Lest we forget – despite the palaver from Minister of Agriculture Weir – Barbados imports a significant share of food consumed.

See relevant link (credit: FearPlay):

A vast majority of Americans are being exposed to a little-known chemical used on crops that poses a risk to reproductive and developmental health. 

A small study conducted by the Environmental Working Group found four in five Americans – or 80 percent – tested positive for chlormequat, a pesticide used to help crops grow. 

In some studies, chlormequat has been linked to reduced fertility, harm to the reproductive system and altered fetal development. 

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-13084299/This-raises-alarm-bells-Four-five-Americans-test-positive-little-known-toxic-chemical-CHEERIOS-cause-infertility-delay-puberty-research-shows.html