Experts from the 28 nations of the European Union “appear set to endorse a European Commission proposal to extend authorization of glyphosate for 15 years, until 2031,” said Reuters.
Glyphosate is the most widely used herbicide in the world and best known as the primary ingredient in Roundup weedkiller made by Monsanto. The European Food Safety Authority has issued an opinion that glyphosate is unlikely to cause cancer, contradicting the WHO cancer agency, which classifies glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic to humans.”
The EPA was expected to release the results of its own risk assessment of glyphosate last year but it has been delayed. Use of glyphosate soared following the release two decades ago of corn and soybean varieties genetically engineered by Monsanto to tolerate the weedkiller. Monsanto says the herbicide is safe and has vigorously defended the product.
The European Commission, the administrative arm of the EU, said it would consider whether some products should be banned because of the substances they form when combined with glyphosate, reported Reuters. A list of banned “co-formulants” would be drafted later this year.