Frequently asked questions on the assessment of the health risk of glyphosate
BfR FAQ, 1 March 2016
Glyphosate is one of the most widely used active substances in pesticides worldwide. Like any other active substance in a pesticide, glyphosate is regularly re-assessed within the framework of the EU evaluation of active substances to determine the risk to health and the environment as well as its efficacy. Germany is the Rapporteur Member State for the Community evaluation and assessment of glyphosate. In the re-assessment procedure, the BfR was commissioned to assess the health risk of the active substance and one representative formulation. For the purpose of health assessment, the BfR has reviewed and evaluated over 1,000 studies, documents and publications. The scientific assessment procedure for the active substance glyphosate has now been completed at the European level. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has submitted its Conclusion on the risk assessment to the European Commission and the member states of the European Union, thereby initiating the decision-making process in the area of risk management. EFSA published the evaluation of the public and expert consultations (Peer Review Report), the BfR addendum on assessment of the IARC monograph and the revised assessment report including the corresponding supplements (Renewal Assessment Report) on its website at www.efsa.europa.eu.
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In response to the public debate, BfR has prepared the following questions and answers on glyphosate and pesticides containing glyphosate and their health assessment.