Glyphosate, the European Union is weighing up renewal of its authorisation
Environment — di Valentina Neri
A preliminary report appears to pave the way for a new authorisation for glyphosate. But it is based on data provided by the companies.
Glyphosate, the European Union is weighing up renewal of its authorisation
A preliminary report appears to pave the way for a new authorisation for glyphosate. But it is based on data provided by the companies.
Glyphosate, a widely used herbicide in agriculture, is authorised in the European Union until 2022 despite the numerous scientific studies that consider it harmful to the environment and human health. In recent months, EU institutions have been debating the possible renewal of the authorisation. This possibility may seem closer, given the results of a massive safety report drawn up by the authorities of four member states.
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The Union decides on the green light for glyphosate
It was 2017 when the European Union's Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed (Paff) confirmed the green light for the use of glyphosate in agriculture. At the time, however, a preference was given to granting a five-year authorisation rather than the ten-year one initially requested by the Commission. As the deadline of 15 December 2022 approached, the evaluation process began again.
What the preliminary report says
As a first step, the authorities of four member states (France, the Netherlands, Sweden and Hungary) conducted a risk assessment project on glyphosate. The substantial 11,000-page document was delivered on 15 June to the desks of the European Food Safety Authority (Efsa) and the European Chemicals Agency (Echa). The conclusions? Glyphosate is not carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction. Only serious damage to human eyes and toxicity to aquatic organisms with long-lasting effects were confirmed. A clear-cut position, though one that emerged from examining the "evidence submitted by the companies that applied for renewal" — in other words, by those who market glyphosate themselves.
EFSA and @EU_ECHA are working on an independent scientific assessment of #glyphosate. We focus on #RiskAssessment whereas ECHA assesses potential hazards. Together, we deliver high quality science to the decision makers. #1substance1assessment #ChemicalsStrategy #EUAN
In September, Efsa and Echa will launch public consultations on this report. After that, Echa will issue its opinion on the classification of the substance — based exclusively on its properties, not on the likelihood of exposure — and Efsa, on the basis of all this evidence, will deliver its verdict by the end of 2022.