Glyphosate assessment group publish draft findings

Following assessment of the renewal of glyphosate as an active substance in plant protection products, the Assessment Group on Glyphosate (AGG) have released a draft report outlining their findings. 

The Assessment Group on Glyphosate consists of the competent authorities from France, Hungary, the Netherlands, and Sweden.  The assessment was based on a dossier submitted by the applicants (The Glyphosate Renewal Group) which contained studies performed by the applicants as well as from public literature. 

The assessment was performed based on guidance documents applicable at the date of submission and in light of current scientific and technical knowledge.

Although our Association recommends the (short) report is read in its entirety by members, the main findings of the report include the following conclusions:

• Human health

The AGG proposes that a classification of glyphosate with regard to carcinogenicity is not justified.

The AGG proposes that classification of glyphosate as for germ cell mutagenicity genotoxic or mutagenic is not justified.

The AGG proposes that classification of glyphosate as toxic for reproduction is not justified.

The AGG proposes that classification for specific target organ toxicity is not justified.

Based on the available toxicological information, the AGG proposes that the current classification as “causes serious eye damage” (H318) should be retained.

• Consumer safety

No chronic or acute consumer risk is expected from treatment of crops with glyphosate according to the representative uses for the current renewal process. This exposure assessment includes possible residues on crops after glyphosate has been applied, and possible residues in animal food commodities when livestock has been exposed to glyphosate and its metabolites.

Further reading:

Procedure and outcome of the draft Renewal Assessment Report on glyphosate