Four EU countries, including the Netherlands, say that the use of glyphosate in agriculture is not so unsafe that it should be completely banned. There is no scientific evidence that it is toxic or carcinogenic, they informed the European Union.
The four 'trial countries' state that glyphosate does not cause mutations in reproductive cells, is not harmful to reproduction, and is neither carcinogenic nor toxic. However, there are still risks of accumulation in soil and water. Glyphosate – the most widely used herbicide in the world – is currently approved in the EU until December 2022.
France, Hungary, the Netherlands, and Sweden have reviewed at the EU's request all the evidence submitted by chemical companies seeking to extend the approval of the product, although the European Parliament is mostly opposed. Environmental groups argue that the substance threatens not only nature but also human health.
The classification of chemicals has so far been based solely on the hazardous properties of the substance itself, without considering potential exposure consequences. The proposal by the four trial countries does not provide for any change in the existing classification and risk assessment.
Some EU countries have attempted to impose bans on glyphosate. For instance, Luxembourg introduced a total ban as of February 1, 2020, but this was overturned by the European Court of Justice. Austria is currently litigating over a partial ban.
The EU's food and health organizations will now hold public hearings on this report around mid-September. After that, the European Parliament, European Commission, and the 27 agriculture ministers must try to reach an agreement.