Monsanto’s Roundup Weed Killer Banned in Europe

This week, the European Parliament adopted a resolution that would severely restrict use of the controversial weed killer glyphosate, which is marketed under the brand name Roundup. The Parliament’s vote opposes glyphosate approval for a wide range of applications including non-professional uses, pre-harvest dessication of crops, and applications that are close to public playgrounds, gardens or parks.

The decision was spurred by widespread health concerns, as growing evidence suggests a causal relationship between glyphosate exposure and cancer. The Parliament’s vote comes at a pivotal time, considering that EU government officials will be participating in a pesticides committee meeting this May to discuss the re-approval of glyphosate in the European Union.

The resolution calls on The Commission to limit the renewal of Roundup to seven years instead of the proposed 15, while spotlighting the mounting opposition regarding Monsanto’s herbicide.

EU Parliament votes to ban Roundup for most uses

“Given the serious health and environmental concerns and conflicting scientific advice regarding glyphosate, it is scandalous that the EU Commission proposed to continue to allow its use for 15 more years, without any restrictions on its use,” noted Bart Staes, a Green food safety and public health spokesperson.

The resolution outlines a number of other demands in relation to glyphosate, including:

• An independent review of glyphosate toxicity
• A call on the Commission and government agencies to disclose all scientific evidence for the positive classification of glyphosate
• A call on the Commission to monitor glyphosate residues in foods and drinks produced in the EU, as well as those on imported foods
• Criticism of agro-biotech companies like Monsanto that are exacerbating the problem of weed resistance in plants exposed to glyphosate

Concerns about Roundup and cancer

Weighed down by concerns about the safety of its blockbuster herbicide, Monsanto is also facing heat in the United States, where some individuals have filed lawsuits alleging that Roundup caused their cancer. Last year, the World Health Organization concluded that glyphosate was probably carcinogenic to humans – a statement that may leverage charges raised by a number of plaintiffs.

Long-term exposure to Roundup has been tied to non-Hodgkin lymphoma (a form of blood cancer that attacks the lymphatic system) and other types of cancer, according to recent personal injury complaints and a growing pile of research. Claimants are demanding that Monsanto be held accountable for failing to warn agricultural workers about potential health hazards and marketing a dangerous product in a negligent manner.

Individuals who have filed a Monsanto Roundup lawsuit are demanding fair compensation for their injuries, suffering and economic losses. Whether procured through a jury verdict or settlement, litigation can recover monies for related medical and hospital costs, loss of wages, permanent disability, emotional pain and suffering, as well as damages for loss of consortium and enjoyment of life.

To learn more about recent Roundup litigation and your right to filing a personal injury lawsuit, we invite you to contact a personal injury attorney at Ellis Law. You can schedule a no-cost case review by dialing 310-641-3335.