Written for eufic.org. Published in August 2024.

In Europe and around the world, the safety and regulatory status of glyphosate, a commonly employed herbicide, remain subjects of ongoing debate. Despite its effectiveness in weed control and utility in modern agriculture, concerns persist about its presence in food and potential health risks. While conflicting conclusions emerge from studies on its safety, the European Commission has opted not to ban glyphosate, extending its authorisation for another decade in 2023.

The topic of glyphosate is explored in more detail in this article.

What is glyphosate?

Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide, primarily known for its effectiveness in killing weeds and unwanted plants. It works by inhibiting a specific enzyme pathway that is essential for plant growth, leading to the eventual death of the targeted plants. Glyphosate has been extensively used in agriculture, forestry, urban areas, and home gardening. It was originally produced by the US agrochemical company Monsanto (now Bayer) in 1975 under the brand name ‘Roundup’ but is now manufactured by various other companies as well.