Glyphosate Study Criticised

A report that has classified the widely used herbicide glyphosate as ‘probably carcinogenic to humans’ has been widely criticised.  The study was conducted by the International Agency of Research on Cancer (IARC) which is affiliated to the World Heath Organisation.  It found that there was limited evidence, from the US, Canada and Sweden the chemical was a cause of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.  There has been a strong reaction from the plant protection industry.  Monsanto, the makers of Roundup, the most common product containing glyphosate, has stated the data used in the study was ‘cherry-picked’ and the conclusions did not correspond with previous research findings and safety reviews.  It has also been pointed out the IARC has previously categorised coffee, mobile phones and aloe vera as possible carcinogens.  The initial report can be found via – http://www.iarc.fr/en/media-centre/iarcnews/pdf/MonographVolume112.pdf