A coalition of groups opposed to glyphosate has persuaded the federal government to take another look at the research Monsanto presented to gain re-approval for the weed killer.
"Health Canada scientists are currently reviewing hundreds of studies to assess whether the information justifies a change to the original decision, or the use of a panel of experts not affiliated with Health Canada," the health agency told CBC-Radio Canada in an email response to the coalition's claims.
But Sidney Ribaux, the head of Equiterre, one of the coalition members, wants Health Canada to immediately suspend glyphosate (Roundup, Liberty, etc.) and call for an independent review.
The issue behind the review is the revelation that Monsanto paid for some of the research that was involved in Health Canada’s re-approval.
"This does not in any way meet our demands. Health Canada approved a dangerous product based ... on these studies," said Ribaux.
Monsanto said in response that glyphosate "is safe and has been used successfully for more than 40 years."
It also says there is an extensive body of research on glyphosate and glyphosate-based herbicides, including more than 800 studies required by regulators in Europe, the U.S. and elsewhere, that confirms these products are safe when used as directed.
Many government regulators, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2017, have determined there is no conclusive link between glyphosate and cancer.
But the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer concluded in 2015 that glyphosate is a probable carcinogen.
The news that Monsanto was involved in the research that was believed to be independent came out in a California trial where a man won a $289-million lawsuit against Monsanto, claiming that Roundup led to his cancer.
His lawyer on that case produced some research that indicated glyphosate is not safe for people.
