health
EU trade deal could force UK to restrict use of weedkiller linked to cancer
Glyphosate is currently sprayed on cereal and pulse crops to dessicate them and make them easier to harvest
TL;DR
- A new UK-EU trade deal may necessitate restrictions on glyphosate use in the UK.
- Glyphosate is used as a pre-harvest desiccant on cereal and pulse crops in the UK.
- The EU banned pre-harvest glyphosate use in 2023 due to health concerns.
- Environmental groups advocate for the UK to align with EU restrictions on glyphosate.
- The World Health Organization classified glyphosate as 'probably carcinogenic to humans'.
- Glyphosate residues are found in a significant percentage of UK cereal crops and bread.
- The UK's license for glyphosate expires in November, leading to lobbying efforts for its renewal.
- A survey indicates low public awareness of glyphosate use but high concern about chemical residues in food.