Bayer Statement on Hardeman Trial in San Francisco Opening

The following is Bayer’s statement regarding the commencement of the Hardeman glyphosate-based herbicide trial before Judge Vince Chhabria of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. This is the first case in the glyphosate federal multi-district litigation (MDL) to go to trial.

“While we have great sympathy for Mr. Hardeman, the extensive body of scientific research on glyphosate-based herbicides over four decades supports the conclusion that Roundup is not responsible for his illness.

“Glyphosate-based herbicides have been used safely and successfully for over four decades worldwide and are a valuable tool to help farmers deliver crops to markets and practice sustainable farming by reducing soil tillage, soil erosion and carbon emissions. There is an extensive body of research on glyphosate and glyphosate-based herbicides, including more than 800 rigorous studies submitted to EPA, European and other regulators in connection with the registration process, that confirms that these products are safe when used as directed. Notably, the largest and most recent epidemiologic study – the 2018 independent National Cancer Institute-supported long-term study that followed over 50,000 pesticide applicators for more than 20 years and was published after the IARC monograph – found no association between glyphosate-based herbicides and cancer. Additionally, EPA’s 2017 post-IARC cancer risk assessment examined more than 100 studies the agency considered relevant and concluded that glyphosate is ‘not likely to be carcinogenic to humans,’ its most favorable rating.”