EFSA peer review | Glyphosate does not meet the criteria for endocrine disruption

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has conducted a peer review of the initial risk assessments carried out by the Assessment Group on Glyphosate for the pesticide active substance glyphosate. The group, composed of competent authorities from France, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Hungary, acted as the rapporteur Member State for the assessment. The peer review was conducted in accordance with the requirements of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 844/2012.

EFSA's review considered various aspects, such as identity, physical-chemical properties, mammalian toxicology, non-dietary exposure, residues, and ecotoxicology. While no critical concerns were identified in most areas, two points warrant further investigation:

1. Mammalian Toxicology: One impurity in glyphosate showed potential clastogenicity in a lab test, which requires further clarification through in vivo testing. Moreover, repeated-dose toxicity data were lacking for one co-formulant present in significant amounts in the formulation 'MON 52276.'

2. Consumer Risk Assessment: Preliminary results suggested residues above the limit of quantification in rotational crops. Though it's unlikely to exceed toxicological reference values, the consumer risk assessment could not be finalized due to insufficient data from rotational crop field trials.

Furthermore, EFSA highlighted the need for more information on groundwater exposure and its connectivity to surface water bodies. The assessment on aquatic macrophytes' impact via spray drift contact exposure remained inconclusive due to insufficient data. Experts acknowledged the complexity of biodiversity risks and called for harmonized methodologies and protection goals.

EFSA considered studies on microbiome effects but emphasized the lack of internationally agreed guidelines for pesticide risk assessment in this area. Further research is needed to understand microbiome relevance and develop dedicated strategies accordingly.

Based on the available evidence, EFSA concluded that glyphosate does not meet the criteria for endocrine disruption as defined in Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009, ensuring its compliance with relevant regulatory standards.

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