As a new study shows that persistent exposure to even low levels of the herbicide causes fatty liver disease in rats, campaigners ask why it is still being used on food crops.
A study by researchers at King's College London has shown that chronic exposure to extremely low levels of the chemical glyphosate causes rats to develop non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Glyphosate-based formulations (such as Roundup) are now the world's most commonly used herbicides. The paper notes that residues are routinely found in foodstuffs and drinking water, and indeed in human tissue.
The findings have prompted Sustain member the Soil Association to renew its campaign to outlaw the use of glyphosate as a pre-harvest treatment of wheat and other cereals. Glyphosate is sprayed onto the crops to make harvesting easier -- but it then finds its way into bread and other foods. The Soil Association cites recent research by Defra which found that two-thirds of wholemeal bread sampled contained glyphosate, at levels Defra at the time considered to be safe.
Campaigners hope the new findings will prove the last nail in glyphosate's coffin. Last June, the European Commission decided to extend the licence for glyphosate by just 18 months, until the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) gives an opinion on its safety. The ECHA’s verdict is expected later this year.
Sustain campaigns for a greener, fairer and healthier food system: find out more here.
Published Friday 13 January 2017
Sustain: Sustain The alliance for better food and farming advocates food and agriculture policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare of people and animals, improve the working and living environment, enrich society and culture and promote equity.
