Glyphosate, commonly known as Roundup Herbicide is back in the spotlight in Australia. The Australian Federal Court has heard the closing submissions from a class action brought forward by 800 people claiming glyphosate is carcinogenic and can cause non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This case comes following similar legal matters in the USA where in 2020, the plaintiff lawsuits where supported in landmark decisions against Bayer, costing the company $US10.9 billion. Following this outcome, glyphosate has had new restrictions placed upon it by several US states, but it continues to be used. Bayer continues its support of the chemical, maintaining it is safe when used as directed.
“The weight of this extensive body of science confirms that glyphosate is safe when used as directed and is not carcinogenic,” a Bayer spokeswoman said in a statement in September 2023.
As the Australian case unfolds, we will see whether such case is also supported, and accordingly, if updates are required for Australian use-patterns of glyphosate. The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority will issue notices accordingly if such findings are required.
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