The Commission's request is directed at the Italian Ramazzini Institute. This institute recently published a new study claiming that glyphosate increases the risk of cancer. The European Commission wants EU agencies such as EFSA and ECHA to be able to verify these findings before any policy measures follow.
According to the researchers, the new study shows a link between exposure to glyphosate and the development of tumors in laboratory mice. They consider this as additional evidence that glyphosate may be carcinogenic. The WHO previously concluded that glyphosate is “probably carcinogenic.” This position conflicts with earlier conclusions from EFSA and ECHA.
EU watchdogs such as EFSA and ECHA state that so far there is no conclusive evidence that glyphosate causes cancer. This assessment is based on multiple studies, but many of those studies were conducted or funded by glyphosate producers, including Bayer.
However, the reliability of the Ramazzini Institute is also under scrutiny. The institute previously refused to share its raw research data, making peer review difficult. Chemical company Bayer responded by saying that the new study shows methodological flaws.
Agricultural organizations in several EU countries believe that the use of glyphosate should be stopped immediately if the Ramazzini research is scientifically confirmed. The Dutch agricultural association LTO said in Trouw: “If this is true, it must be taken off the market immediately.”
The European Commission reiterates that policy changes will only be considered with convincing scientific evidence. The Commission wants a careful judgment from the EU agencies first before possibly taking new steps regarding the use of glyphosate.
Meanwhile, a new lawsuit against the approval of glyphosate is underway in New Zealand. Environmental organizations there are requesting a review of the approval policy, partly based on the new Italian research. This confirms the international impact of the debate.