Glyphosate Task Force: Evaluation Report for the Herbicide Glyphosate is Now Publicly Available
BRUSSELS, March 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --
EFSA publishes report from German authorities. The reauthorisation process for glyphosate now enters the next phase
At the start of 2014, German competent authorities submitted to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) the results of their assessment on the safety of the herbicide glyphosate. This comprehensive report, which includes a full risk assessment of glyphosate, is now publicly available on the EFSA website to allow for comments from stakeholders.
The report is part of the EU's regular 10-year-reauthorisation process for active ingredients used in plant protection products as the previous authorisation for glyphosate was granted back in 2002. This report is showing once again that glyphosate poses no unacceptable risk to human and animal health and the environment. Specifically, the German authorities stated that glyphosate is not connected to mutagenic, carcinogenic or teratogenic effects.
Plant protection products that contain glyphosate are some of the most commonly used herbicides worldwide and are also used widely in Europe. Herbicides containing glyphosate control almost all perennial weeds. Its use can lead to increased crop yields and can provide an alternative to tilling as a weed-control method. No-till farming has been recognized as an integral part of sustainable farming in Europe because it contributes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and helps to protect soil from erosion.
The new report is currently being examined by experts from all EU member states as part of a scientific peer review procedure. EFSA is expected to decide on this glyphosate dossier later this year. The Commission will then work on a decision with the experts from all EU member states, as established in the EU´s regular reauthorization process.
The European Glyphosate Task Force is a consortium of 24 companies from twelve EU member states that have submitted the joint application for the reauthorisation of glyphosate herbicide in the EU.
Further information on the application and safety assessment of glyphosate can be found at http://www.glyphosate.eu/safety.
Press contact
Claire MacCarrick
Hume Brophy
41 Rue de la Science
Brussels 1040
Phone: +3222346860
Email: contact@glyphosate.eu
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