Will US Court Finally Force EPA to Ban Chlorpyrifos?

Last Updated on May 17, 2021 by Colleen

Chlorpyrifos is one of the most toxic agricultural chemicals. But the last administration stopped a move to ban its use. Now a U.S. court steps in to give the EPA a directive, and a very short timeframe to act.

Clarksburg, MD, USA 09/12/2020: A yellow yard sign warning kids and pets of the recent pesticide spraying and advises them to stay away. A kid is playing regardless. Pesticide use is a big concern.

How Toxic is Chlorpyrifos and Who is at Risk?

Dow Chemical patented chlorpyrifos as a pesticide in 1966. It is an organophosphate chemical. Farmers, groundskeepers, and exterminators have used it for 65 years. (To go straight to what you can do to protect yourself and influence the EPA’s decision, scroll down to “How Can You Protect Your Loved Ones from Toxic Chemicals?”)

It kills insects by inhibiting the essential enzyme activity that enables the messages that travel through nerve cells. Chlorpyrifos drifts through the air and poisons the lungs of people exposed to it. It also spreads its poison to people by clinging to fruits and vegetables and grass.

Tragically, it has proven to cause developmental damage even with a small exposure in fetuses and small children. Acute exposure can cause neuromuscular symptoms, seizures, lung failure, paralysis, and death. It is also toxic to bees and crustaceans.

How Do You Get Exposed to Chlorpyrifos?

Despite this toxicity, farmers, exterminators, and grounds keepers in the U.S. have used chlorpyrifos to control pests on

  • corn
  • soybeans
  • fruit and nut trees
  • Brussel sprouts
  • cranberries
  • broccoli and cauliflower
  • golf courses
  • turf
  • termite control
  • roach and ant traps

What Other Countries Have Banned It?

Many countries banned this toxin. And yet, the U.S. has continued using it to the present day. Here is the timeline.

  • Singapore in 2009
  • South Africa in 2010
  • Denmark 2012
  • European Union 2020

Why Hasn’t the U.S. Banned Chlorpyrifos?

Dow Chemical has lobbied hard for many years to keep chlorpyrifos on the market in the United States. The company asserts it is safe for use. And yet, the EPA has not been able to find a safe threshold of exposure. In fact, Dow paid a $2 million fine to the State of New York for claiming its product was safe. Here’s a quick timeline.

  • 1989 OSHA set a maximum exposure level but it was later reversed by the U.S. Court of Appeals.
  • 2000 The industry reached an agreement with the EPA to voluntarily restrict the use of chlorpyrifos near children.
  • 2003 Dow Chemical paid a fine to NY State for claiming the chemical was safe.
  • 2007 The Pesticide Action Network and Natural Resource Defense Council appealed to the EPA to ban chlorpyrifos.
  • 2015 A U.S. Court of Appeals told the EPA to ban chlorpyrifo, stating the EPA had failed to show the chemical met legal safety requirements.
  • 2016 The EPA decided to ban the chemical despite Dow Chemical’s persistent claims that it is safe and critical to growers.
  • 2017 The Trump Administration’s Sec. of Agriculture Scott Pruit revoked the EPA ban. Pruitt claimed he had not met with Dow Chemical executives prior to revoking the ban. But it was later revealed he had met with them dozens of times and specifically told them he would revoke the ban.
  • 2017 California adds chlorpyrifos to its Prop 65 list of toxic chemicals and set minimum exposure levels at .025PPB. The American Academy of Pediatrics protests the Administrations lack of movement on the ban, stating the chemical’s well-established danger to children.
  • 2018 The U.S. Court of Appeals told the EPA to ban chlorpyrifos within 60 days but the ruling was appealed by the Trump Administration.
  • 2020 California banned chlorpyrifos. Thailand bans the use of chlorpyrifos and paraquat and moves to ban imported foods grown by farmers using these chemcals. The US and Brazil appeal to the WTA to force Thailand to reverse its ban. it completely within 60 days.

Who’s to Blame for the Poisoning of America?

The history of chlorpyrifos is a lesson in the danger to people and our planet of taking on one toxic chemical at a time. Dow Chemical introduced chlorpyrifos to the market over 55 years ago. It’s been poisoning fetuses, children, and adults ever since. As far back as 1989 the U.S. government showed public concern over the chemical as seen in the OSHA exposure limits. And twenty years ago the industry publicly admitted it was toxic to children by agreeing to usage restrictions.

Yet, lawsuit after lawsuit, research evidence be damned, court orders disregarded, the EPA failed to protect the people and country it is chartered to protect. And, yes, the delay of the ban over the last five years is due to direct and malicious actions of the Trump Administration. But a handful of other Administrations — Republican and Democrat — could have banned this poison years ago and did not.

What Can We Learn about Glyphosate from the Chlorpyrifos Story?

The lesson is clear. We cannot achieve a cleaner world fighting one chemical at a time. As much as we know some chemicals like glyphosate and chlorpyrifos are perhaps more toxic or pervasive than some others, we cannot cherry pick the handful of worst offenders and try to pick them off one by one. There simply isn’t enough time (unless you think a standard of 50 or more years from introduction to ban to be your measure of success). We must get to the core of the problem.

  1. Companies must prove chemicals are safe before they are allowed to introduce them on the market.
  2. Consumers should have a right to know if there is toxic residue on their food.
  3. Because of their position between farms and consumers, brands, suppliers, and distributors should be the intermediary that requires testing from the farms. They also should test their final product for toxic residue and provide complete transparency to consumers. Finally, that transparency to consumers has to be provided in an actionable format — at a time when they are making purchasing or eating decisions. Consumers should not have to contact a customer service person to request the information.

How Can You Protect Your Loved Ones from Toxic Chemicals?

  1. Buy organic whenever possible but especially produce that you eat that cannot be peeled.
  2. Soak your produce in a solution of water with a bit of apple cider vinegar or baking soda or both.
  3. Buy from companies you trust. Avoid cheap food. Cheap can mean the farmer used a lot of chemicals to increase their yield so they can keep prices low.
  4. Ask brands you love to test their food and make the results publicly available.
  5. Contact the EPA and ask them to ban chlorpyrifos and to require chemical companies to prove their products are safe before they can be used. Consider tweeting them at https://twitter.com/epa.

Does ZEGO Test for Chlorpyrifos?

Yes! We do and have since we introduced our purity testing back in 2018. You can see our results on our pesticide panels for each product on our Food Safety tab on our website, or by scanning the QR code on any of our packages. This is exactly the type of testing and transparency all brands should commit to. Why? Because if consumers aren’t informed about the prevalence of toxic residue in our agriculture system and on their food, they won’t have the information and inspiration to demand better. And, better is what we have to strive for every day.


Some of the information in this blog came from Wikipedia, which has extensive information on the history and toxicity of this chemical.

Colleen Kavanagh is the founder and CEO of ZEGO, a company that seeks to inspire changes in the food system so it better nourishes all people and our planet. She spent 20 years working to better nourish low-income children through improved public policies and programs, working for Congressman George Miller in Washington, DC and various anti-hunger nonprofits. She founded the nonprofit www.abettercourse.org. In 2013, she decided the only way to better nourish the most vulnerable is to leverage consumer demand through the marketplace to regenerating the food system and protect the most vulnerable. And that, lead to her starting ZEGO.

We’ve been counting down the days right along with you…⁠
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We’re thrilled to announce that our Organic Pure Plant Protein Powder is finally back in stock at zegofoods.com! 🎉⁠
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This simple-but-mighty powder is made from just one ingredient—organic sacha inchi seeds. We keep it minimally processed to preserve its nutrients, fiber, and naturally nutty flavor (with NO nuts!).⁠
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It’s clean, powerful, and crafted with integrity—just like you expect from ZEGO.⁠
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💪 Just ONE ingredient: 100% organic sacha inchi seeds⁠
🌱 6g of complete protein per tablespoon⁠
✅ Free from gluten + top 14 allergens⁠
🌾 Glyphosate-tested + Purity Verified⁠
🌍 Supports small organic farms⁠
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This is plant protein at its cleanest—and you can only get it at zegofoods.com! 🙌

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📍 Where’s ZEGO? This Celiac Disease Awareness Month, we’re thrilled to feature @maysglutenfreemarket in Rhode Island! 🌟⁠
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Founded by Celeste Bremer in 2022, May’s was created to be a safe haven for those living with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Today, Celeste, Guetty Antiste (aka the Empanada Assassin!), and Jay Romano continue that mission—offering a carefully curated, 100% gluten-free and allergen-friendly space where folks can shop with confidence.⁠
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💚 We’re so proud to have ZEGO on their shelves and to be part of their effort to make gluten-free eating simple, safe, and delicious—with food that tastes even better than its gluten counterparts.⁠
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If you’re local, be sure to stop in and support this incredible small business that’s doing big things for our community!⁠
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🛍️ Know another shop that should carry ZEGO? Tag them below—we’d love to connect!

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🌟 Celiac Disease Awareness Month Tip from Colleen 🌟⁠
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This Celiac Disease Awareness Month, our founder Colleen shares an important reminder about the impact of GLP1 medications (like Ozempic) on nutrition, especially for those with celiac disease. These medications can affect your calorie intake, making it even more crucial to focus on nutrient-dense foods to stay healthy. 💚⁠
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👉 Watch Colleen’s video to learn why regular doctor visits and mindful nutrition are essential—especially for those managing celiac.⁠
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We’d love to hear from you: If you’re navigating this, what strategies do you use to ensure you’re getting the nutrients your body needs? Drop your tips below! 👇#celiacdiseaseawarenessmonth #celiacdiseaseawareness #nutrition #glp1 #healthjourney #healthandwellness

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🎉 It’s Celiac Disease Awareness Month, and we’re honored to stand with our celiac community.⁠
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At ZEGO, every product is made with you in mind—gluten-free, free from top allergens, and tested for toxins like glyphosate and heavy metals. Because safety, transparency, and nourishment should be the standard, not the exception.⁠
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This month, we’ll be:⁠
📢 Sharing celiac facts & education⁠
🎁 Hosting giveaways⁠
💬 Uplifting voices from our community⁠
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Let’s talk, learn, and grow together this month. Drop your story in the comments or send us a DM. We’d love to hear from you! 💚⁠

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Earth Day may be over, but its message should guide us all year long. 🌍⁠
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As Dr. Zach Bush says: “We can’t have healthy people on a sick planet.”⁠
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And the data backs him up.⁠
Soil depleted of nutrients = crops lower in nutrition.⁠
Chemical pesticides = toxins in our food and water.⁠
Industrial farming = harm to the planet and our health.⁠
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That’s why ZEGO chooses a different path—⁠
✅ Supporting regenerative and organic farming⁠
✅ 3rd Party Lab Testing for toxins and heavy metals⁠
✅ Sharing the results on our website, because you deserve transparency⁠
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Earth Day is a moment to reflect. Your next meal is a chance to act. 💚⁠
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🌱 Happy Earth Day from ZEGO! 🌾⁠
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This Earth Day, we’re celebrating one of the most sustainable crops on the planet—oats! 💚⁠
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Not only are oats nourishing and naturally gluten-free, they also use less water, help rebuild healthy soil, and require fewer inputs than many other grains. That makes them better for you and better for the planet. 🌍⁠
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📍 This stunning field in Montana is one of the places our oats are grown. We’re lucky to work with farmers who care deeply about the land and grow using Purity Protocol methods to ensure safety for those with celiac and food allergies.⁠
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This Earth Day, we invite you to pause and appreciate where your food comes from—and how it can help build a healthier planet. 🌍💚⁠

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🌟 Where’s ZEGO? In Eugene, Oregon @capella.market 
 — your neighborhood destination for high-quality, natural foods! 🌟⁠
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We’re thrilled to announce that our nut-free, organic muesli is now available at Capella Market — a store that shines as brightly as the star it’s named after (seriously, Capella is one of the brightest stars in the northern sky ✨).⁠
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Capella Market has deep roots in Eugene’s natural foods community and is committed to providing nutritious, high-quality options for your family. And now, that includes ZEGO’s Purity Verified muesli — packed with gluten-free oats, seeds, and dried fruit, and always free from the top allergens.⁠
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🛒 Find us at:⁠
📍 2489 Willamette St, Eugene, OR⁠
📍 In the historic Oasis/Wild Oats building!⁠
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Next time you’re shopping for breakfast or snack staples, grab a bag (or two) and taste the ZEGO difference. 💚

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🧡 Customer Love from Texas! 🧡⁠
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We’re always so grateful when you take the time to share how you enjoy ZEGO products! Here’s what one happy customer had to say about our Organic Cinnamon Twist Muesli:⁠
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“This muesli is really good. I like it mixed with cottage cheese or yogurt. I love anything with a cinnamon taste and have not ever had any muesli like this before. I recommend trying it.”⁠
— CMVTexas⁠
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✨ Not too sweet. Full of cozy cinnamon spice. And completely unique — just like all our muesli blends.⁠
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Perfect stirred into yogurt, as a topping for baked goods, or enjoyed straight from the bag with your favorite milk as a healthy cold cereal alternative.⁠
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📍Have you tried Cinnamon Twist yet? Let us know your favorite way to enjoy it in the comments!

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💪 Why Protein-Packed Oats Are a Smart Start to Your Day 🌞⁠
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Did you know oats are nutritionally superior as a protein source compared to many other cereals? And ZEGO’s Double Protein Oats take that even further — with 10g of plant-based protein per serving. That’s double what most oats offer.⁠
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But why does that matter?⁠
➡️ Protein helps keep you full and focused.⁠
➡️ It supports muscle maintenance and growth.⁠
➡️ And for many people — from athletes to aging adults — getting a bit more protein at breakfast can make a real difference.⁠
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In fact, a study of over 10,000 healthy adults found that breakfasts with 10–23g of protein were linked to better blood pressure and cholesterol levels.⁠
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✨ Pro Tip:⁠
Cook your ZEGO oats with milk instead of water to boost protein even more (by ~8g) — plus you’ll get essential nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and iodine. Prefer dairy-free? Choose a fortified plant-based milk that suits your needs.⁠
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💬 Whether you’re eating gluten-free, plant-based, or just looking to stay energized, our Double Protein Oats make it easy to get a wholesome, protein-strong start to your day — no powders or additives needed.

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Did you know last week was National Sourdough Day? We’re still celebrating over here! 🥖😋⁠
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We made our sourdough starter using our raw Double Protein Oats (yes, oats!). And guess what? We’ve been putting the discard to delicious use—like in these Gluten-Free Sourdough Discard Rosemary Crackers! 🌿⁠
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They’re savory, herby, and totally snack board-worthy—plus they’re celiac and allergy-friendly 💚⁠
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✨ Gluten-Free Sourdough Discard Rosemary Crackers ✨⁠
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Ingredients:⁠
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1 cup ZEGO Double Protein Oats, ground into flour⁠
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1 cup sourdough discard (gluten-free)⁠
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1/3 cup crushed sunflower seeds⁠
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4 tbsp ground flaxseed⁠
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2 tbsp dried rosemary⁠
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2 tbsp nutritional yeast⁠
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1 tsp salt⁠
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2 tbsp gluten-free baking powder⁠
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4 tbsp olive oil⁠
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Extra herbs + flaky salt (like Maldon) for topping⁠
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Instructions:⁠
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Preheat oven to 350°F.⁠
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Blend ZEGO oats into flour using a high-speed blender or food processor (1–2 min).⁠
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In a medium bowl, whisk together all dry ingredients.⁠
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In a separate bowl, mix the olive oil with the sourdough discard (it won’t fully combine).⁠
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Combine wet and dry ingredients. If the dough feels too dry, add 1–2 tbsp oat milk.⁠
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Divide dough into two portions. Place between two sheets of parchment and roll it out (the thinner you roll it, the crispier your crackers will be!).⁠
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Peel off the top parchment. Using a pastry brush, brush the top of the crackers lightly with olive oil. Then sprinkle with flaky salt and extra fresh or dried rosemary.⁠
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Slice into crackers using a pizza cutter, or use a small biscuit cutter for round shapes. Lightly score the middles with a fork.⁠
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Bake for 30–35 minutes until edges are golden and crisp.⁠
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Let cool, then snack away!⁠
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Let us know if you give this recipe a try!⁠
Have you ever used oat-based sourdough discard before?

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🌾 San Diego friends! ZEGO’s Double Protein Oatmeal and Organic Mueslis are now available at Jimbo’s 🎉⁠
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We’re honored to be on the shelves at Jimbo’s, a San Diego favorite with four locations (and more coming soon!). Jimbo’s has been leading the way since 1984 with a strong commitment to organic, sustainable, and regenerative agriculture 🌱💚⁠
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Just like ZEGO, they believe in purity, transparency, and nourishing food that supports both people and the planet. That’s why we’re thrilled to team up.⁠
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✨ As always, we suggest calling ahead to make sure your favorite flavor is in stock!⁠
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Big thanks to @jimbosnaturally for supporting regenerative farmers and clean food for all 🙌

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As March comes to a close, we’re reflecting on two important celebrations—B Corp Month and Women’s History Month. 🌎💙 As a proudly women-owned and Certified B Corp company, ZEGO is committed to raising the bar in food safety, transparency, and sustainability.⁠
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✅ Being a B Corp means we meet the highest standards for social and environmental responsibility. From our Purity Verified testing for toxins like glyphosate and heavy metals to our direct partnerships with farmers, every decision we make is rooted in integrity and impact.⁠
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👩‍🌾 Women-Owned, Mission-Driven—Our founder, Colleen Kavanagh, has dedicated her career to creating a safer, healthier food system. Her leadership inspires us daily to push for more transparency and better food choices for all.⁠
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💡 As we wrap up these celebrations, we remain focused on what matters most: providing you with safe, nourishing, and delicious food while advocating for a better future for people and the planet. Thank you for being part of our journey!#genb #womenowned #sustainability #regenerativefarming #organic

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🌱 New Episode of Food Gossip with ZEGO Founder and CEO Colleen Kavanagh! 
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Colleen recently visited the Ulhorn family farm in Idaho to see their regenerative farming practices in action. 🚜✨⁠
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By growing their own high-quality seeds and coating them in a nutrient-rich compost slurry, they’re protecting their crops naturally from pests and disease—even on their conventional fields! 🌾✨ ⁠
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Check out the full episode to learn how these farmers are pioneering the future of food!

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Spring Break Snack Hack: No-Bake Energy Balls! ☀️🌴⁠🍎
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Fuel your spring break adventures with these easy, no-bake energy balls! Whether you’re road-tripping, hitting the playground, or just soaking up the sunshine, these crunchy little bites are packed with protein, calcium, iron, fiber, and deliciousness to keep everyone satisfied.⁠
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These snacks are super easy to make, so your little ones can join in on the fun by mixing, rolling, and tasting everything! Plus, they’re gluten-free, nut-free, and safe for all top allergens, which means everyone can indulge without a care in the world. Let the baking adventure begin!⁠
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✨ Apple Cinnamon Crunch Energy Balls ✨⁠
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Ingredients:⁠
🍏 1 1/3 cup ZEGO Cinnamon Twist Muesli⁠
🥜 ½ cup sunflower seed butter ⁠
🍯 4 tbsp maple syrup⁠
🌿 1 tsp allspice⁠
🌸 1/2 tsp vanilla extract⁠
🍏 3/4 cup broken up freeze-dried apple pieces⁠
💪 2 tbsp ground flaxseed ⁠
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👊 How to Make:⁠
1️⃣ Mix all ingredients in a bowl until combined.⁠
2️⃣ Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes ⁠
3️⃣ Roll into bite-sized balls. (a small cookie scoop is great for this!)⁠
4️⃣ Pack them up and GO!⁠ (or keep in the fridge up to 2 weeks😊)
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The perfect allergy-friendly snack to keep your little explorers fueled all week long! Tag us when you make these and show us where you’re taking your ZEGO snacks this spring break! 🌸🏕️

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🌍 Where’s ZEGO? 🌴⁠
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Hawaii, we’ve arrived! 🎉 You can now find our Nut-Free Organic Mueslis at Down to Earth Organic & Natural in Honolulu, Aiea, and Kapolei!⁠
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Made with our gluten-free, purity-verified oats, our mueslis are packed with fiber, protein, and organic goodness—perfect for breakfast, snacking, or baking! 🌾✨⁠
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✅ Tip: Be sure to call ahead to ensure the product you want is in stock!⁠
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📍 Visiting a Down to Earth store? Snap a pic and tag us—we’d love to see ZEGO in the wild! 💛

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