EU nations have refused to agree to a limited extension for using the pesticide glyphosate found in Monsanto’s Roundup and other weedkilling products.
Earlier this year a proposal to renew the licence in the EU for glyphosate for as many as 15 years did not garner sufficient support on two separate occasions.
Following this, the European Commission proposed a limited extension of 12 to 18 months to allow time for further study into the hazards of using the chemical.
But this compromise, too, failed to gain a majority – the support of member states totalling at least 65% of the EU population.
Seven member states abstained from Monday’s vote, 20 were in favour of the proposal and one voted against, a German environment ministry spokeswoman said.
Scientific study results so far have been contradictory as to the carcinogenic risks glysophate may pose for humans and the impact on biodiversity.
The matter must now return to the EU commissioners for further discussion and could be sent to an appeal committee of political representatives of the 28 member countries. But a decision will have to be reached by the end of June.
Failing that, Roundup and other weed killers may have to be removed from sales in EU countries.
Despite knowing the controversy swirling around, German chemicals giant Bayer placed on offer of $62 billion on the table in May to buy US seeds company Monsanto. Germany abstained from Monday’s vote on glyphosate.
