Science journal retracts study on safety of Monsanto’s Roundup: ‘Serious ethical concerns’

Summary: A landmark 2000 study asserting the safety of glyphosate-based Roundup has been officially retracted due to ethical concerns about independence and data integrity, raising questions about the reliability of the study and its influence on regulators and public perception.

## Context - The study, published in Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology in 2000, claimed that glyphosate-based herbicides pose no cancer risks to humans or animals. This finding supported Monsanto’s (now Bayer) position that Roundup is safe for widespread use. - The retraction cited “serious ethical concerns regarding the independence and accountability of the authors” and questioned the integrity of the carcinogenicity data presented. This move follows years of scrutiny over potential undisclosed industry involvement in research. ## Key Details - Authors and affiliations: The paper was authored by scientists not employed by Monsanto, which historically lent perceived independence to the findings. The retraction notes concerns over independence and potential ghostwriting or undisclosed corporate influence. - Regulatory impact: Regulators worldwide cited the 2000 study to support glyphosate’s safety profile, making the retraction particularly consequential for assessments by agencies such as the EPA and others. - Public and legal context: Bayer’s acquisition of Monsanto and ongoing litigation around glyphosate’s health risks have intensified calls for independent, transparent research. The timing of the retraction intersects with high-profile legal actions and regulatory reviews. ## Reactions - Environmental and public health advocates view the retraction as a necessary correction that undermines a once-cited pillar of glyphosate safety, urging independent re-evaluation of the evidence base. - Industry underlines that regulators should rely on a broader, independent evidence base and updated risk assessments rather than a single historic study. ## Implications - The retraction may prompt renewed scrutiny of glyphosate safety evidence, potential gaps in data transparency, and the influence of corporate funding on research outcomes. It underscores the importance of independent replication and comprehensive reviews in chemical risk assessment. ### Авторское резюме Retraction of the 2000 glyphosate safety study highlights ethical concerns and calls for independent, transparent research to reassess Roundup's cancer risk profile.

The Guardian — 2025-12-06

More News