Not carcinogenic
New authorization for glyphosate is a step in the right direction
The controversial herbicide glyphosate is regularly under fire in the media and politics. Today, however, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has news for the agricultural sector. They describe the drug as not carcinogenic. Good news for a re-admission.
The European Commission determined in June 2016 that more research was needed to assess whether glyphosate should be re-authorised. Use of the herbicide was allowed until ECHA made its scientific judgment. It came out as positive today, 15 March. A decision on the renewed license for the European Union will be made later this year.
The World Health Organization WHO previously ruled that glyphosate is likely to be carcinogenic. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) contested that. In this it is now supported by ECHA. However, the finish line is far from being reached.
Glyphosate, better known in practice as RoundUp (the brand name Monsanto gave it), is under heavy fire. Environmental organizations in Europe are trying to ban the drug. Especially after the WHO had passed its harsh verdict. Greenpeace does not intend to agree with the European Agency's decision. They say that ECHA is guided by studies funded by the drug manufacturers. Together with other environmental organizations and activist groups, Greenpeace wants to ban glyphosate. It has now received half of the required signatures for a citizens' initiative.
Niels van der Boom
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