Europe extends the permit of controversial weedkiller glyphosate by 10 years

Roundup came onto the market in the 1970s and is popular because it is so effective. There have long been concerns about the impact on health and the environment. Several scientists warn about the consequences of exposure to glyphosate and environmental organizations have been calling for a general ban for years. The International Agency for Research on Cancer labeled the substance in 2015 as “probably carcinogenic to humans.”

In a communication, the Commission emphasizes that many thousands of studies on glyphosate have been considered. “The assessment made by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) about the impact of glyphosate on the health of people, animals and the environment did not reveal any insurmountable objections that would prevent renewal of the permit,” it said. .

EFSA does not believe that glyphosate should be considered an endocrine disrupting substance, while the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) does not classify glyphosate as a carcinogen. If new insights come to light and this is scientifically justified, the Commission will immediately adjust or withdraw the permit.