Controversy around the EU’s re-approval of the pesticide glyphosate

Controversy surrounds the pesticide glyphosate, whose effects on human health are disputed. This briefing from the House of Commons Library looks at the recent history of the EU authorisation for glyphosate.

Glyphosate has been in the news in in 2016 and 2017 because of a delay to a decision at EU level to re-approve its use past 2017. The issue is contentious as some studies have claimed in the past that the pesticide could carry health risks.

This briefing examines:

+ What glyphosate is and how it is used
+ The views of stakeholders – manufacturers, farmers and NGOs – and recent campaigns
+ The EU’s current approval for glyphosate
+ Concerns about pesticide residues in food and
+ The impact Brexit might have.

ESO: Background information: Glyphosate not classified as a carcinogen by ECHA http://www.europeansources.info/record/glyphosate-not-classified-as-a-carcinogen-by-echa/

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