READ THE ORIGINAL STORY: https://theecologist.org/2016/jan/12/usda-and-epa-must-come-clean-over-roundup-residues
12th January 2016
CHATGPT SUMMARY In a troubling revelation, it has come to light that the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), responsible for safeguarding the nation's food supply, does not include glyphosate—the world's most widely used herbicide—in its extensive annual pesticide testing. Glyphosate, the key ingredient in the popular weed killer Roundup, has raised increasing concerns due to its potential health risks, including its classification as a probable human carcinogen by the World Health Organization.
Microbiologist Bruce Hemming, a former scientist for Roundup maker Monsanto, found residues of glyphosate in breast milk samples—a worrying discovery considering glyphosate's purported inability to accumulate in the human body. However, the USDA, in its annual 'Pesticide Data Program,' tests for over 400 pesticides but consistently excludes glyphosate, citing cost as a reason, despite its widespread use.
Consumer groups, scientists, and concerned citizens have repeatedly called on the US government to test for glyphosate residues in food to ascertain potential dangers. This call has gained urgency with scientific studies linking glyphosate to health issues and its presence in water and air samples. Alarming data on glyphosate usage in the United States—nearly 300 million pounds in 2013—underscores the necessity for thorough testing and regulation.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), responsible for setting tolerance levels for pesticides like glyphosate, has delayed the release of its risk assessment, adding to the mounting concern. Meanwhile, glyphosate usage continues to rise, particularly on genetically engineered crops, without adequate scrutiny of its potential health impacts.
This revelation raises questions about consumer safety and transparency. The lack of glyphosate testing in the USDA's monitoring program and the delay in the EPA's risk assessment is a disconcerting bureaucratic failure, depriving consumers of the right to know what they are consuming. Urgent action is needed to put an end to this concerning oversight and ensure glyphosate's inclusion in comprehensive pesticide testing, empowering consumers with the information they need to make informed choices about the food they consume. The health and well-being of the public should be paramount, and it's imperative that regulatory agencies act accordingly, addressing the growing apprehensions surrounding glyphosate.
Comments