EWG

BREAKING: Journal retracts study of the safety of Roundup’s active ingredient

Should regulators rely on studies funded by chemical companies when evaluating chemical safety?

Dear friend,

Glyphosate – the active ingredient in Roundup – is one of the most widely used herbicides in the world. But a study that played a key role in evaluations of glyphosate’s safety has now been formally retracted because of serious ethical concerns.

Here’s what we know:

•	A scientific journal has retracted a major glyphosate safety study after determining that some of its conclusions relied solely on unpublished research conducted by Monsanto, the manufacturer of Roundup.
•	The journal’s retraction notice cites numerous “serious ethical concerns,” including undisclosed contributions to the article by Monsanto employees, suggesting a lack of scientific integrity for parts of the study’s findings.
•	This paper has been widely cited in debates about glyphosate’s safety, even as concerns about industry influence and conflicts of interest have grown.

This retraction underscores an important question: How much weight should regulators give to industry-backed research when public health is at stake?

Evaluations of chemical safety should be grounded in independent, credible science – not research shaped by corporate interests. As decisions about pesticide policy continue and priorities for the year ahead are being set, EWG wants to know what standards you believe regulators should follow.

Can we count on you to take a moment to complete our quick survey on toxic pesticides like glyphosate?

Should regulators rely on studies funded by chemical companies when evaluating chemical safety?

YES

Thanks for adding your voice,

– EWG

DONATE NOW

Know your environment. Protect your health.