On March 28, 2015, the World Health Organization declared that glyphosate, the active ingredient in Monsanto’s weed killer Roundup, is likely a cause of cancer in humans.
According to the New York Times, the WHO’s research was in part based on study used by Environmental Protection Agency. Thirty years ago an Environmental Protection Agency committee determined that the popular weed killer Roundup might cause cancer. Then, six years later, in 1991, the agency reversed itself after re-evaluating the study that had been the basis for the original conclusion.
Glyphosate, introduced in the 1970s, is the most widely used herbicide in the world.
Monsanto, the manufacturer Roundup, has accused the agency of having an “agenda” and “cherry picking” the study to support its case.