EU nations have refused to back a limited extension of the pesticide glyphosate\u2019s use, threatening withdrawal of Monsanto\u2019s Roundup and other weedkillers from shelves if no decision is reached by the end of the month.<\/p>\n
Contradictory findings on the carcinogenic risks of the chemical have thrust it into the centre of a dispute among EU and US politicians, regulators and researchers. The EU executive, after failing to win support in two meetings earlier this year for a proposal to renew the licence for glyphosate for up to 15 years, had offered a limited 12 to 18 month extension to allow time for further scientific study.
\nDespite the compromise, the proposal failed to win the qualified majority: seven member states abstained from the vote, 20 backed the proposal and one voted against.<\/p>\n
Commenting on the decision, the Green\u2019s environment and food safety spokesperson Bart Staes MEP said: \u201cWe applaud those EU governments who are refusing to authorise this controversial toxic herbicide. There are clear concerns about the health risks with glyphosate, both as regards it being a carcinogen and an endocrine disruptor. Moreover, glyphosate\u2019s devastating impact on biodiversity should have already led to its ban. Thankfully, the significant public mobilisation and political opposition to re-approving glyphosate has been taken seriously by key EU governments, who have forced the EU commission to back down\u201d.<\/p>\n