In August, No More Glyphosate NZ tested six common supermarket breads for glyphosate residues.
Those first results showed “none detected” at the reporting limits used by the lab (0.05 mg/kg for most samples). That left an important question: would more sensitive testing reveal residues that the first round had missed?
Because of this, we arranged a second round of testing at a lower detection limit of 0.01 mg/kg (10 ppb) — a benchmark commonly used in international studies and European regulations. This makes our results easier to compare with overseas research, while going beyond the higher limits typically used in New Zealand’s routine monitoring.
Our reasons for testing remain twofold:
- Uncover what’s in our food right now.
Independent testing helps shine a light on products that aren’t being looked at closely enough under New Zealand’s official monitoring system. - Set a benchmark for the future.
Even if residues appear low today, creating a baseline now is crucial. If levels rise in the future — for example, if the Ministry for Primary Industries raises allowable limits — we will have independent data to measure against.
September Bread Test Results
| Bread Sample | Glyphosate Level |
|---|---|
| Tip Top Supersoft Batch AK 249 8:46 BB 12 Sept 25 | <0.010 mg/kg (<10 ppb) |
| Pams Wheatmeal Toast Batch ADI 143 1100 BB 13 Sept | <0.010 mg/kg (<10 ppb) |
| Woolworths Wheatmeal Batch AK1 250 7:31 BB 12 Sept 25 | <0.010 mg/kg (<10 ppb) |
| Burgen Superb Soy & Linseed Batch AK4 248 19:28 BB 11 Sept 21 | 0.089 mg/kg (89 ppb) |
| Vogels Original Mixed Grain Batch AD5 249 234B BB 12 Sept | 0.020 mg/kg (20 ppb) |
Note: George Weston Foods Ltd, producer of both Burgen Soy & Linseed and Tip Top Supersoft breads, has provided a statement in response to our testing. Their full comment is included below. No other producer responses had been received.
What the results tell us
Three breads tested negative at the lower detection limit of 0.01 mg/kg, while two returned measurable traces of glyphosate. The levels detected in Burgen and Vogels were well below New Zealand’s maximum residue limits for bread products, yet they show that glyphosate does make its way into food that many New Zealand families eat daily.
It’s also worth noting that “none detected” doesn’t necessarily mean “glyphosate-free.” It means no glyphosate was detected above the reporting limit of 0.01 mg/kg (10 ppb). Traces may still exist below that level, but would not have been picked up by this round of testing.
We also need to remain mindful that every batch of bread is different. Grain is sourced from multiple growers and regions, and residue levels can vary from season to season or even batch to batch. A product that tested clean this time may show residues in future — and vice versa. That’s why ongoing, independent testing is so important.
It’s also worth noting that grain sourcing can differ between regions. North Island bread is often made with imported Australian wheat, while the South Island draws more on locally grown grain. These differences may influence residue levels, which is why we plan to include South Island loaves in future testing.
Producer comments
Each producer was invited to comment on the results for their product. This included George Weston Foods Ltd (producers of Tip Top Supersoft and Burgen Superb Soy & Linseed bread), as well as the brands behind Pams, Woolworths, and Vogels. At the time of publishing this article, no replies had been received. If and when comments are provided, we will update this article to include them.
Producer response update:
Following our request for comment, George Weston Foods Ltd (producer of Tip Top Supersoft and Burgen Soy & Linseed bread) provided the following statement:
“At GWF Baking, we’re uncompromising when it comes to the safety and quality of our products. All of our ingredients and raw materials have to pass an approval process, which is audited by a third-party certification body based on Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) recognised standards (British Retail Consortium Global Standards). This is why we can be confident that our ingredients and finished products comply with ANZ Food Standard Codes and all local NZ food regulations and are safe to consume.”
We will continue to update this section if we receive further responses from other producers.
Why independent testing matters
Independent testing isn’t about proving a preconceived point. Sometimes residues show up, sometimes they don’t — but either way, the results matter. New Zealanders deserve to know what’s really in their food, rather than relying only on what regulators or manufacturers choose to test and report.
By testing now, we are also building a benchmark. If future results show residues creeping up, or new products testing positive, we’ll be able to show the change clearly — not speculate.
Looking Ahead: We will continue expanding testing across different food types, including gluten-free bread and other everyday staples. This is just the beginning of building a clearer picture of glyphosate in New Zealand’s food supply.
Like What We’re Doing?
Independent food testing doesn’t come cheap. Each bread sample costs hundreds of dollars to analyse at trace levels in fully accredited and certified laboratories — and we can only do it thanks to community support. If you value transparent, evidence-driven work that asks the questions industry won’t, please consider helping us continue.
Help Fund the Next Bread Tests
We’re already preparing for another round, including gluten-free options and other everyday staples. Every donation brings us closer to the independent answers New Zealanders deserve.
>>> Donate here <<<
Related No More Glyphosate NZ Testing
Most of our independent food testing is community funded, with New Zealanders chipping in to cover the cost of accredited laboratory analysis. We also fund some tests ourselves, but as a small group of individuals with shallow pockets, we can’t do it alone. We’re grateful for the positive community support and encouragement that makes this work possible.
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Our very first round of honey testing revealed glyphosate residues in popular retail jars, proving contamination had made its way into a product marketed as natural and pure.
Glyphosate in Honey — Test Results: Batch 2
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Glyphosate in Honey — Test Results: Batch 3
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Glyphosate in Honey — Test Results: Batch 4
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Our first round of supermarket bread testing (August 2025) found no detectable glyphosate residues at the higher 0.05 mg/kg reporting limit, but raised the question of whether more sensitive testing would reveal traces missed the first time
