Possibly carcinogenic
EU countries vote against new approval of glyphosate
October 13, 2023, 12:43 p.m
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No more use of glyphosate for the time being: the approval of the weed killer expires in December and the EU states cannot find a majority in a vote to renew it. There is still debate as to whether it is carcinogenic and poses a danger to the environment.
The European Commission initially did not receive sufficient approval from EU countries to re-approve the weed killer glyphosate for another ten years. In a vote by representatives of the EU states, there was no qualified majority in favor of allowing the controversial means to be used until the end of 2033.
The Commission published a corresponding proposal in September. A qualified majority requires the consent of at least 55 percent of the EU states, which also represent at least 65 percent of the EU population. Critics and supporters argue, among other things, whether glyphosate could be carcinogenic. There are also dangers for the environment. A complex investigation by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recently found no unacceptable dangers, but did point out data gaps in several areas.
According to EFSA, aspects that have not been conclusively clarified include nutritional risks for consumers and the assessment of risks for aquatic plants. With regard to species protection, the available information did not allow any clear conclusions to be drawn.
Glyphosate probably doesn’t just kill weeds
Glyphosate is also known as a total herbicide: it causes plants to die. Where glyphosate is sprayed, grass, bushes or moss no longer grows. The product is primarily used in agriculture to keep a field free of weeds before crops are sown.
The renewal of approval will now be discussed further in an appeals committee in November. Changes to the Commission’s proposal are possible. If there is neither a qualified majority for nor against the proposal in the appeal committee, the EU Commission can decide independently.