Steven Novella recently reviewed the evidence for and against glyphosate, the weed killer that coats many of our plant foods. His conclusion:
While I personally find the evidence overall supports the safety of glyphosate (I feel a risk-based approach is better than a hazard-based approach, there is a wide margin of safety levels, and the best evidence is negative), there is a lot of data that legitimately can be seen as concerning. There is also the question of industry influence in the research. A study from 2000 showing glyphosate is safe was recently retracted because of undisclosed industry funding. It is therefore no wonder that the public remains confused and divided on the safety of glyphosate.
As it stands, I think the regulatory agencies are correct in continuing to approve glyphosate. It is likely safe and better than all the alternatives. However, more and better research is always welcome. This is definitely an area where we would benefit from highly rigorous large consensus studies designed to resolve continued scientific disagreement.
I encourage you to do your own research and draw your own conclusions. I’m busy with other things now.
—–Steve Parker, M.D.
Advanced Mediterranean Diet 