Glyphosate residues in foods distributed through social assistance programs for vulnerable populations in Peru and Uruguay

Susana Ramírez Hita PhD in Social and Cultural Anthropology. Professor, Master’s Program in Medical Anthropology and Global Health, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain. Member, Unión de Científicos Comprometidos con la Sociedad y la Naturaleza de América Latina. image/svg+xml , Claudio Martínez Debat PhD in Cellular and Molecular Biology. Adjunct Professor, School of Sciences, Universidad de la República, Uruguay. Member, Unión de Científicos Comprometidos con la Sociedad y la Naturaleza de América Latina. image/svg+xml
Received: 15 February 2026, Accepted: 16 June 2026, Published: 7 July 2026 Open Access
https://doi.org/10.18294/sc.2026.6101
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Abstract


In a context of growing concern about food safety and the absence of specific mechanisms for monitoring pesticide residues in food assistance programs, this article analyzes the presence of glyphosate in foods distributed through the Qali Warma program in the Amazonas region of Peru and the Emergency Food Basket program in Maldonado, Uruguay. It also examines the institutional mechanisms for sanitary control and their implications for the food security of vulnerable populations. The study was designed as an exploratory investigation aimed at detecting and quantifying glyphosate residues in foods distributed through social food assistance programs in both countries, complemented by a documentary analysis of food policies and food safety regulations. Sixteen samples collected between June 2023 and February 2024 in the localities of Condorcanqui (Peru) and Maldonado (Uruguay) were analyzed using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. The results revealed the presence of glyphosate in three of the four samples associated with the Qali Warma program and in eight of the twelve samples linked to the Uruguayan program. In some cases, concentrations exceeded the maximum residue limits established by the Codex Alimentarius. These findings highlight the need to strengthen monitoring and control mechanisms for pesticide residues in food assistance programs. They also point to the importance of further research on the potential implications of these residues for the food security and health of beneficiary populations.

Keywords: Glyphosate, Food Production, Social Programs, Food Inspections

Categories: Anthropology, Feeding, Policies

Full-text of the article is available for this language: Español.


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