It is required to suspend the authorisation of glyphosate until the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) have fully ensured that it is not carcinogenic. Both agencies say it has no effect on health.

MEPs from the Green Party explain that U.S. justice has released a series of documents from the multinational Monsanto in which it is clear that the company has concealed investigations into the effects of glyphosate. Glyphosate was marketed by Monsanto in 1974.

Therefore, MEPs have asked Junck to take the “serious measures” necessary to ensure the protection of health and the environment, as well as to take measures to adequately protect the agricultural sector.

Brussels is required to confirm that scientific assessments of pesticides are carried out independently and to prohibit European Commission commissions from having contacts with Monsanto’s lobbyists.

Scientific Discussions on Glyphosate

In June last year, the authorisation to trade glyphosate in the EU was exhausted and the European Commission made a proposal to extend the authorisation for fifteen years. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) said the pesticide was probably carcinogenic, while the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) said it was completely safe. The Committee reported that it would not take a decision until the conclusion of the scientific debate.

Last week, the European Chemicals Agency concluded that glyphosate is neither carcinogenic nor toxic. Once the results of the report are officially published, the European Commission will have to take a final decision within six months.