Glyphosate: EFSA updates toxicological profile

The re-assessment of glyphosate, a chemical widely used in pesticides, was finalised by the EFSA and the EU member states in November 2015. The report concludes that glyphosate is unlikely to pose a carcinogenic hazard to humans and proposes a new safety measure that will tighten the control of glyphosate residues in food.

The conclusion was expected to be used by the European Commission in deciding whether or not to keep glyphosate on the EU list of approved active substances, and by EU Member States to re-assess the safety of pesticide products containing glyphosate that are used in their territories.

ESO: Background information: WHO findings on weed killer will not speed up EU safety review http://www.europeansources.info/record/who-findings-on-weed-killer-will-not-speed-up-eu-safety-review/

EurActiv, 12.11.15: EU says cancer risk from popular weedkiller 'unlikely' http://www.euractiv.com/sections/agriculture-food/eu-says-cancer-risk-popular-weedkiller-unlikely-319406

EurActiv, 12.11.15: EU scientists advise higher safety limits on glyphosate weedkiller http://www.euractiv.com/sections/science-policymaking/eu-scientists-advise-tighter-safety-limits-glyphosate-weedkiller

EurActiv, 13.01.16: EU food safety watchdog hits back at scientists in glyphosate spat http://www.euractiv.com/sections/health-consumers/eu-food-safety-watchdog-hits-back-scientists-glyphosate-spat-320928

EurActiv, 09.03.16: EU delays glyphosate decision amid cancer uproar http://www.euractiv.com/section/science-policymaking/news/eu-delays-glyphosate-decision-amid-cancer-uproar/

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