Investigation of glyphosate residues in berries, fiddleheads and browse in Wolastoqey Territory in New Brunswick

The Wolastoqiyik people of the Wolastoqey Nation in New Brunswick (WNNB) were concerned about the potential accumulation of glyphosate and its residues in the local ecosystem. Glyphosate was used by the forestry industry, as well as in the maintenance of linear corridors (e.g., hydro lines). While previous studies examined glyphosate in wildlife, no research had studied its concentration in vegetation. The objective of this research study was to measure the concentration of glyphosate residues in berry plants (roots, shoots and fruit), and fiddleheads to assess whether they were safe to eat.

The project team collected raspberry, blueberry, and fiddlehead samples from harvesting areas within the territory potentially impacted by forestry activities. They analyzed the samples for glyphosate, metals, and aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA). The team collected soil samples to further assess whether  glyphosate and its residues were present in the environment. They compared the levels of glyphosate to recognized maximum residue limits (MRLs). The team used a food consumption survey that had been completed by members of the community as part of a 2017 WNNB moose quality study.

The study found the concentrations of glyphosate in berry and fiddlehead samples were below Health Canada guidelines. The study concluded community members could continue to eat wild berries and fiddleheads in the reported quantities (i.e., a limit of ½ cup per day). The study recommended fiddleheads and berries be washed thoroughly prior to consumption due the presence of metals on the surface of these plants (aluminum, iron and manganese). It also recommended community members harvest fiddleheads from areas that have not recently been sprayed by herbicides to avoid any unnecessary risk.