EFSA Launches Glyphosate Consultation

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) have begun consultations seeking scientific evaluations of glyphosate. “The classification of chemicals is based solely on the hazardous properties of a substance and does not take into account the use or likelihood of exposure to the substance,” the announcement notes. “Exposure is considered as part of the risk assessment of pesticide active substances, a process led by EFSA.” Glyphosate is currently approved for use the European Union until December 2022, and EFSA and ECHA anticipate finalizing their conclusions “in the second half of 2022.” Comments will be accepted until November 22, 2021.