Health Canada reaffirms its approval of a popular herbicide despite a significant research paper being retracted. The 25-year-old study, which concluded that glyphosate, the main ingredient in Roundup, is safe for human use, was retracted by the journal Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology due to undisclosed ties between the study authors and Monsanto, the manufacturer of Roundup. This revelation has raised concerns about potential bias in the study’s findings.
The retracted paper, widely cited in scientific publications including Health Canada’s 2017 review, played a pivotal role in determining the safety of glyphosate. Health Canada’s evaluation, which endorsed the use of glyphosate-based herbicides until 2032, was largely based on this controversial study. Despite the retraction, Health Canada stands by its previous assessment, stating that it conducted an independent review of over 1,300 studies, including industry-supplied data and research from various regulatory bodies.
Health Canada emphasized that glyphosate levels in humans remain significantly below any concerning thresholds and reiterated its confidence in the safety of glyphosate-based products when used correctly. The department also monitors glyphosate usage, as the chemical is extensively employed in Canada, particularly in the agriculture and forestry sectors. While critics call for a moratorium on glyphosate sales and a comprehensive review of current scientific evidence, proponents, including Bayer and Monsanto, maintain the safety of glyphosate products.
Despite conflicting opinions on glyphosate’s safety, leading health regulators like Health Canada have consistently deemed the herbicide non-carcinogenic. However, the controversy surrounding the retracted study underscores the importance of continuous reevaluation of pesticide safety standards based on the latest scientific research.
