An Italian researcher says results of a study on animal health and the weedkiller glyphosate will be published in time for an EU decision on whether to allow continued use of the herbicide, says Reuters. Preliminary results show no initial adverse reaction in rats exposed to the herbicide in levels equal to that allowed in humans.
“But this tells us very little at the moment because the examinations of key parameters that could be affected by exposure are still being done (and) we are waiting for those results,” said scientist Fiorella Belpoggi of the Ramazzini Institute. The parameters still under study include any genetic changes or changes in reproductive health, said Reuters. Final results should be available in June.
The European Commission, the executive arm of the EU, expects to re-start discussions with EU members by August about glyphosate with hopes of a decision by the end of 2017. Two years ago, the WHO cancer agency concluded the herbicide was probably carcinogenic. The EPA and the European Food Safety Authority say it is safe. Last June, the European Commission gave an 18-month extension to use of the weedkiller after EU nations repeatedly disagreed what to do.