EFSA concludes glyphosate does not interfere with human hormone systems

EFSA was asked to look into whether glyphosate had endocrine disrupting properties by the European Commission in October 2016, following its earlier assessment which found the chemical was not carcinogenic.

Campaigners had been attempting to claim glyphosate was an endocrine disruptor because of the EU’s recent ban on such chemicals.

But EFSA’s paper read: “The current assessment concluded that the weight of evidence indicates glyphosate does not have endocrine disrupting properties through oestrogen, androgen, thyroid or steroidgenesis mode of action based on a comprehensive database available in the toxicology area.”

Welcomed

The Crop Protection Association has welcomed the body’s findings.

Chief executive Sarah Mukherjee said: “This latest conclusion from EFSA is consistent with the findings of other expert regulators around the world – glyphosate is not an endocrine disruptor or carcinogenic.

“Over 40 years of robust scientific evidence has shown glyphosate is safe for human health and the environment.”

EFSA’s conclusion came hot on the heels of a decision by the French Government to vote against glyphosate’s renewal later this year because of ‘doubts which remain about its dangerousness.’

The NFU has urged European farming group Copa-Cogeca to step up its lobbying efforts amid fears Germany could follow the same course.