What is glyphosate?
Glyphosate is an active substance i.e. chemical that is widely used in pesticides, also known as plant protection products (PPPs). PPPs include herbicides, which prevent the growth of undesired plants. Glyphosate-based PPPs are used in agriculture to protect crops by controlling weeds and in the maintenance of domestic gardens, roads, railway lines, parks and paths among various other uses. They are also sometimes used as a pre-harvest treatment to regulate plant growth and ripening.
Has the safety of glyphosate been assessed?
Yes. In 2023, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) shared its peer review of the risk assessment for the active substance glyphosate. EFSA did not identify any critical areas of concern in relation to the risk it poses to humans, animals and the environment. The risk assessment and peer review of glyphosate took over three years to complete and is the most comprehensive and transparent assessment of a pesticide that EFSA and the European Union (EU) Member States (MS) have ever carried out. Thousands of scientific studies have been evaluated as part of this process which involved many scientists from EFSA and national authorities across the EU.
Is glyphosate permitted for use in the EU?
Yes, glyphosate is approved for use in the EU. Following the assessments carried out by the Competent Authorities of several MS and the EFSA between 2019 and 2023, it was shown that there is currently no scientific or legal justification for a ban on glyphosate. This led to a renewal of the approval of glyphosate as an active substance in the EU until the 15th December 2033. Certified Organic food products are not permitted to have any glyphosate residues on the finished product in any country. You can identify these organic food products using the “Euro-leaf” symbol found on the label.
How do I know if glyphosate has been used during the production of my food?
When glyphosate containing PPPs are used during the production of food in line with good agricultural practices, only small amounts (residues) should remain on the food and must comply with strict maximum residue levels established in the EU. The maximum residue levels ensure that the food is safe for consumption. There are no requirements to label food that has had glyphosate containing PPPs used during its production.
How is glyphosate and other pesticides monitored in food in Ireland?
In Ireland, the routine monitoring of glyphosate and other pesticides, in food, is carried out as part of the Multi-Annual National Control Plan for Pesticide Residues implemented by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM). The results of this annual monitoring for pesticide residues in food can be found in DAFM’s Annual Reports.