EU’s Stance on Hazardous Herbicide Use: Time to Enforce a Ban

The EU Should Ban the Use of Hazardous Herbicide Glyphosate

July 31, 2023 | By

Introduction

The European Commission’s push for the reapproval of the herbicide glyphosate for use in the European Union has raised concerns about the adequacy of the reapproval process, particularly in assessing the health and environmental risks associated with the herbicide. Glyphosate has been linked to neurotoxic health effects and is classified as a “probable carcinogen” by the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer. Despite the growing body of evidence against glyphosate, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded that there are no critical areas of concern. This rush to reapprove glyphosate undermines the EU‘s Farm to Fork and Biodiversity objectives under the European Green Deal. In order to prioritize human and environmental health, the EU should ban the domestic use and export of glyphosate.

Evidence of Health and Environmental Risks

Multiple studies have linked glyphosate to adverse health effects, including neurotoxicity and potential carcinogenicity. The classification of glyphosate as a “probable carcinogen” by the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer further underscores the need for caution in its use. Glyphosate has also been associated with potential chromosomal effects that could lead to genetic mutation.

Furthermore, over 30 countries, including Germany, Italy, and Austria, have already imposed bans or restrictions on the use of glyphosate due to health and environmental concerns. These bans suggest a global recognition of the risks posed by the herbicide and the need for precautionary measures.

Erosion of Transparency and Corporate Influence

Transparency and independence in the assessment of glyphosate’s safety have been called into question. While the evidence is peer-reviewed by the EFSA, data for the EU Commission’s assessment was provided by the Glyphosate Renewal Group (GRG), a consortium of agribusiness companies seeking the chemical’s renewal. This raises concerns about the vested interests of agribusiness and their influence on the regulatory process. Despite additional submissions from civil society groups highlighting the dangers of glyphosate, the EU‘s assessment is still criticized for neglecting independent and peer-reviewed scientific studies.

Violation of Environmental Commitments and Human Rights

The rush to reapprove glyphosate undermines the EU‘s Farm to Fork and Biodiversity objectives under the European Green Deal. The use of glyphosate contradicts the EU‘s commitment to sustainable farming practices and the protection of biodiversity. Additionally, it exposes the strength of corporate power in decisions around human and environmental health.

The use of glyphosate also raises concerns regarding the human right to health. The potential health risks posed by glyphosate warrant precautionary action to protect public health. The EU should prioritize the well-being of its citizens by banning the use of glyphosate.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The reapproval process of glyphosate in the European Union has faced criticism for failing to adequately assess the health and environmental risks associated with the herbicide. The evidence linking glyphosate to adverse health effects, as well as the global trend of imposing bans or restrictions, underscores the need for precautionary measures.

Transparency in the regulatory process is essential to maintain public trust. The reliance on data provided by agribusiness companies raises concerns about the undue influence of corporate interests on regulatory decisions. The EU should prioritize independence and unbiased assessments of pesticide safety.

To fulfill its environmental commitments and protect human health, the EU should ban the use of glyphosate for domestic use and export. This ban would demonstrate a commitment to sustainable farming practices, the protection of biodiversity, and the protection of the human right to health.

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