§ Joan RuddockTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what studies his Department has undertaken into possible effects of glyphosate on human health; and if he will make a statement. [94829]
§ Ms QuinI have been asked to reply.
All pesticides used in this country, including glyphosate, must be approved by Ministers. Approval is granted only following thorough scientific evaluation of the risk that the pesticide might pose to people, wildlife and to the wider environment. Only if this evaluation shows that there is no unacceptable risk will approval be granted. All pesticides are subject to routine review and will be reviewed at any time if doubts are raised concerning their safety.
662WGlyphosate is currently being reviewed by the EU Commission as part of a programme to review all agricultural pesticides currently on the market in the EU. The German authorities were nominated by the Commission to evaluate the data and research studies submitted by companies and prepare a report. This report includes the possible effects of glyphosate on human health. The UK is playing an active part in this work and will ensure that the same rigorous standards are applied in this review as are applied in the UK to pesticide approvals.
Additionally, we have urgently sought the studies allegedly linking glyphosate exposure and an increased risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. These studies have also been passed to the German authorities and will be taken into account in the risk assessment process for the EU review of glyphosate. If we conclude that approved uses involve unacceptable risks, we will not hesitate to act.