MEPs back glyphosate restrictions – Harkin

The European Parliament has backed restrictions on the use of glyphosate – the world’s most used weedkiller and a shortening of its licence, amid rising health concerns. In a non-binding resolution, MEPs today called for a ban on all uses of glyphosate-based herbicides in private and public green areas, including spraying in and around public parks, playgrounds and gardens. MEPs also called for restrictions on its use in agricultural fields shortly before harvesting, and said a new glyphosate licence should be limited to seven instead of 15 years. The Independent MEP Marian Harkin says she has serious concerns about glyphosate.

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Further background

In March 2015, the World Health Organisation [WHO]’s International Agency for Research on Cancer classified glyphosate as a probable carcinogen. However, the European Food Safety Authority EFSA said in November 2015 that there was no evidence of a cancer link.