Brussels, 24/02/2016 (Agence Europe) - Although the glyphosate herbicide has been acknowledged as probably being carcinogenic for human beings by the WHO's International Research Centre, the European Commission will be proposing the reapproval of the controversial pesticide until 2031. The outraged Green/EFA group at the European Parliament made this announcement on Wednesday 24 February.
The Greens obtained a draft of the Commission project, which is based on the very controversial opinion made by the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA), which deemed that it is “quite improbable” that glyphosate is carcinogenic (see EUROPE 11482 and 11473).
This draft is expected to be presented to member state representatives during the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed planned for 7-8 March next.
Commenting on the proposal, Green agriculture and public health spokesperson Martin Häusling said on Wednesday that “It is scandalous that the European Commission is willing to simply ignore the considerable scientific concern expressed about the health risks of glyphosate and is instead proposing to continue to allow its use for 15 more years, without any restrictions”.
The MEP said that the Commission approach did not respect the “precautionary principle” and he hopes that member states will oppose it. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)