Scientists slam EU proposals to reapprove glyphosate amid concerns it impairs nutrient content of crops

29 Sep 2023 --- The European Commission (EC) has proposed the re-approval of glyphosate, an ingredient in common weedkillers. Experts and environmentalists have expressed concern about the impact the continuous use of the chemical is having on nutrition and food security.

If the new regulation meets approval by the EC’s Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed (SCoPAFF) on October 12, the controversial chemical would be authorized for use in the EU for ten more years. 

Tjerk Dalhuisen of the Pesticide Action Network (PAN) Europe tells Nutrition Insight, “Most independent expert scientists agree that glyphosate has a very negative effect on health, biodiversity, soil life and water quality.”

“Since it is the most widely used weedkiller in many countries, this has a huge impact.”

EFSA and ECHA verdict 
Despite the WHO describing glyphosate as a “probable human carcinogen” in 2015, the chemical was re-approved for use in the EU in 2017. The verdict will remain in place until December 15, 2023.

Last week, the Commission drafted a similar regulation on glyphosate after it was found to pose no “critical concern” by the EU Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).

Dalhuisen disagrees with the verdict, pointing to independent research linking glyphosate to oxidative stress that can cause DNA damage and cancer, toxicity to adult and children’s developing brains. 

He tells us that the chemical has further been identified as affecting the gut microbiome and hormone (endocrine) disrupting effects. 

Scientists and environmental campaigners have questioned EFSA and ECHA's decision to advise the EC in favor of glyphosate.

“This is not properly assessed by EU authorities like EFSA and ECHA because they work with guidelines that give priority over studies done by industry and largely ignore studies by independent scientists.”

“These EU authorities disagree with many scientists and renowned bodies like the International Institute of Cancer Research IARC and the French Health Authority INSERM,” says Dalhuisen. 

PAN report from March of this year found that non-chemical alternatives exist for all known mass use of glyphosate.

Impact on nutrition and food security 
Eoin Dubsky, speaking to Nutrition Insight on behalf of international advocacy organization Ekō, agrees with Dalhuisen, stating that “it would be bad news for our health, and the health of our environment if pesticide manufacturers get a green light again to keep selling glyphosate.”

“EFSA has already disappointed Europeans as citizens and consumers and is waving away scientific evidence of glyphosate’s dangers.”

Dubsky states that the Glyphosate Renewal Group (GRG), which submitted the request for the renewed approval to the EC, failed to present relevant findings to EU authorities, “contrary to the law.” 

He says that the research GRG had access to showed significant behavioral impairment in young rats when their mothers were exposed to glyphosate during pregnancy.

“Regarding food security, research shows that glyphosate harms fish and other non-target species. Food security and sovereignty are important and are directly linked to the health of our environment, including water quality, soil health and biodiversity,” he tells us.

The campaigner further reminds that a 2021 meta-analytical review of science papers found that most bee species, including wild and solitary bee species, suffer significantly from adverse effects when exposed to glyphosate.Independent research suggests that using glyphosate products impairs crops' nutrient content.

EU Green Deal thrown into question
Given the concerns about the effects that the chemical is having on the health and the quality of the food widely consumed in the EU, the health impacts this is having on citizens and the environment, many have questioned the EU’s motivation to consider the re-approval.

Chris Methmann, executive director of FoodWatch Germany, tells Nutrition Insight that “the EC’s proposal is unacceptable. On the one hand, Ursula von der Leyen (president of the EC) promises to ensure that fewer pesticides are sprayed in Europe – and at the same time, wants to authorize this for another ten years. This is not credible.”

“The EC President likes to be celebrated for her ‘Green Deal,’ which is supposed to make the EU greener and more sustainable. However, the EC’s proposal to extend the authorization of glyphosate destroys the credibility of the EU Green Deal. If we want to ensure food security in Europe, we do not need more pesticides, but on the contrary, less,“ state Methan.

Dubsky says: “The EU government representatives meeting on October 12 can still reject the Commission’s proposal, upholding the precautionary principle and putting people before corporate profits.”

Vienna has already signaled that it will vote against the draft regulation. 

By Milana Nikolova