EPA Archives

Litigation against Syngenta grows; lawyers fight over evidence and trial dates

Carey Gillam | September 21, 2021

Syngenta AG is facing a growing number of U.S. lawsuits over allegations that its paraquat herbicide causes Parkinson’s disease, with a Fresno, California man pushing for an expedited trial that potentially would start within the next few months, and multiple plaintiffs’ lawyers jockeying for power and influence over future trial proceedings. Plaintiff George Isaak used … Litigation against Syngenta grows; lawyers fight over evidence and trial dates

EPA exposed for hiding chemical risks, favoring corporate interests

Carey Gillam | September 30, 2021

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a long and well-documented history of questionable conduct when it comes to regulation of chemicals important to the profit centers for many large and powerful corporations. Numerous examples show a pattern of agency actions that allow for the use of dangerous chemicals by consumers, farmers, groundskeepers and others … EPA exposed for hiding chemical risks, favoring corporate interests

Paraquat Papers – Updates to U.S. litigation

Gary Ruskin | November 18, 2021

Multiple lawsuits are pending in the United States against Syngenta alleging the weedkilling chemical paraquat causes Parkinson’s disease. A notice of settlement was filed June 18, 2021 for several paraquat cases. See this document. But more than 400 lawsuits are pending. The lawsuits name Syngenta as well as Chevron Phillips Chemical Co. and Growmark Inc. … Paraquat Papers – Updates to U.S. litigation

Sparks to Fly in Closing Arguments at Third Roundup Cancer Trial

Carey Gillam | May 8, 2019

After two costly courtroom losses, lawyers for Monsanto and its German owner Bayer AG on Wednesday were set to make closing arguments in what is the third trial brought by people who blame their cancers on use of Monsanto’s Roundup and other glyphosate-based weed killer brands. Plaintiffs Alva and Alberta Pilliod, a married couple in … Sparks to Fly in Closing Arguments at Third Roundup Cancer Trial

Big Ag groups argue court cannot tell EPA when to ban dicamba

Carey Gillam | June 17, 2020

The heaviest of Big Ag’s heavy hitters told a federal court it should not try to stop GMO cotton and soybean farmers from using illegal dicamba weed killers through the end of July, despite the court’s order earlier this month for an immediate ban. Six national trade associations, all of which have long-standing financial ties … Big Ag groups argue court cannot tell EPA when to ban dicamba

Bayer settles U.S. Roundup, dicamba and PCB litigation for more than $10 billion

Carey Gillam | June 24, 2020

In an expensive clean-up of Monsanto litigation messes, Bayer AG said Wednesday that it will pay out more than $10 billion to settle tens of thousands of U.S. claims brought against Monsanto over its Roundup herbicide, as well as $400 million to resolve lawsuits over Monsanto’s dicamba herbicide and $650 million for PCB pollution claims. … Bayer settles U.S. Roundup, dicamba and PCB litigation for more than $10 billion

Thailand’s reversal on glyphosate ban came after Bayer scripted U.S. intervention, documents show

Carey Gillam | September 17, 2020

A year ago Thailand was set to ban the widely used weed killing chemical glyphosate, a move applauded by public health advocates because of evidence the chemical causes cancer, along with other harms to people and the environment. But under heavy pressure from U.S. officials, Thailand’s government reversed the planned ban on glyphosate last November … Thailand’s reversal on glyphosate ban came after Bayer scripted U.S. intervention, documents show

How Monsanto Manufactured ‘Outrage’ at IARC over Cancer Classification

Stacy Malkan | September 19, 2017

By Carey Gillam Three years ago this month Monsanto executives realized they had a big problem on their hands. It was September 2014 and the company’s top-selling chemical, the weed killer called glyphosate that is the foundation for Monsanto’s branded Roundup products, had been selected as one among a handful of pesticides to undergo scrutiny … How Monsanto Manufactured ‘Outrage’ at IARC over Cancer Classification

Chemicals on Our Food: When “Safe” May Not Really Be Safe

Susan Lang | November 27, 2018

Scientific scrutiny of pesticide residue in food grows; regulatory protections questioned This article was originally published in Environmental Health News. By Carey Gillam Weed killers in wheat crackers and cereals, insecticides in apple juice and a mix of multiple pesticides in spinach, string beans and other veggies – all are part of the daily diets … Chemicals on Our Food: When “Safe” May Not Really Be Safe

Calorie Control Council (CCC) – key facts

Gary Ruskin | January 17, 2015

Summary *Calorie Control Council is a trade group for manufacturers of artificial sweeteners *The CCC has “a penchant for stealthy public relations tactics” * CCC is run by a public relations company, “functions more like an industry front group than a trade association” *The PR firm that runs CCC represents asbestos manufacturers, oil companies, Monsanto, … Calorie Control Council (CCC) – key facts

Following an Email Trail: How a Public University Professor Collaborated on a Corporate PR Campaign

Carey Gillam | January 29, 2016

By Carey Gillam Former University of Illinois food science professor Bruce Chassy is known for his academic gravitas. Now retired nearly four years, Chassy still writes and speaks often about food safety issues, identifying himself with the full weight of the decades of experience earned at the public university and as a researcher at the … Following an Email Trail: How a Public University Professor Collaborated on a Corporate PR Campaign

Big Week for Big Ag Players Monsanto and Dow

Carey Gillam | February 1, 2016

Monsanto Shareholders Meeting Draws Fire An array of GMO and pesticide critics spoke out at Monsanto Co.’s annual meeting of shareholders on Friday, Jan. 29 in the company’s hometown of Creve Coeur, Missouri, calling on the company to address concerns about the company’s genetically engineered crop products and the glyphosate-based Roundup herbicide used on those … Big Week for Big Ag Players Monsanto and Dow

Not Just For Corn and Soy: A Look at Glyphosate Use in Food Crops

Carey Gillam | May 4, 2016

By Carey Gillam As the active ingredient in Monsanto’s branded Roundup weed killer, along with hundreds of other weed-killing products, the chemical called glyphosate spells billions of dollars in sales for Monsanto and other companies each year as farmers around the world use it in their fields and orchards. Ubiquitous in food production, glyphosate is … Not Just For Corn and Soy: A Look at Glyphosate Use in Food Crops

What Is Going On With Glyphosate? EPA’s Odd Handling of Controversial Chemical

Stacy Malkan | May 9, 2016

By Carey Gillam The Environmental Protection Agency’s ongoing risk assessment of the world’s most widely used herbicide is starting to generate more questions than answers. On Monday, it also generated a giant “oops” from the EPA. On Friday, April 29, the EPA posted on its website a series of documents related to its long-awaited risk … What Is Going On With Glyphosate? EPA’s Odd Handling of Controversial Chemical

IARC Scientists Defend Glyphosate Cancer Link; Surprised by Industry Assault

Carey Gillam | October 31, 2016

Don’t mess with Monsanto Co. That is the message being delivered right now by the agrichemical industry as it makes a full-fledged assault on the team of international cancer scientists who dared to declare cancerous connections to the widely used herbicide called glyphosate, the chief ingredient in Monsanto’s Roundup brand. Industry swagger is on full … IARC Scientists Defend Glyphosate Cancer Link; Surprised by Industry Assault

New Data on Pesticides in Food Raises Safety Questions

Carey Gillam | November 23, 2016

As Americans gather their families to share a Thanksgiving meal this week, new government data offers a potentially unappetizing assessment of the U.S. food supply: Residues of many types of insecticides, fungicides and weed killing chemicals have been found in roughly 85 percent of thousands of foods tested. Data released last week by the U.S. … New Data on Pesticides in Food Raises Safety Questions

Serious scrutiny needed as EPA seeks input on cancer ties to Monsanto herbicide

Stacy Malkan | December 13, 2016

By Carey Gillam The glyphosate geeks are gathering in Washington this week. After a two-month delay, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is holding four days of meetings aimed at examining the evidence that does or does not tie the world’s most widely used herbicide — glyphosate — to cancer. Scientists, activists and agricultural industry leaders … Serious scrutiny needed as EPA seeks input on cancer ties to Monsanto herbicide

Questions about EPA-Monsanto collusion raised in cancer lawsuits

Carey Gillam | February 14, 2017

Now it’s getting interesting. A new court filing made on behalf of dozens of people claiming Monsanto Co.’s Roundup herbicide gave them cancer includes information about alleged efforts within the Environmental Protection Agency to protect Monsanto’s interests and unfairly aid the agrichemical industry. The filing, made late Friday by plaintiff’s attorneys, includes what the attorneys … Questions about EPA-Monsanto collusion raised in cancer lawsuits

Of Mice, Monsanto and a Mysterious Tumor

Carey Gillam | June 8, 2017

Call it the case of the mysterious mouse tumor. It’s been 34 years since Monsanto Co. presented U.S. regulators with a seemingly routine study analyzing the effects the company’s best-selling herbicide might have on rodents. Now, that study is once again under the microscope, emerging as a potentially pivotal piece of evidence in litigation brought … Of Mice, Monsanto and a Mysterious Tumor

Hold the Plum Pudding: US Food Sampling Shows Troubling Pesticide Residues

Susan Lang | December 21, 2017

By Carey Gillam Sometimes the truth about our food is not very appetizing. As many gather this holiday season for shared family meals, it is likely that they’ll be serving up small doses of pesticides with each plate passed, including a prevalent type shown to be harmful to children and reproductive health. New data released … Hold the Plum Pudding: US Food Sampling Shows Troubling Pesticide Residues

FDA FOIA Documents Regarding Glyphosate Residue Testing

Carey Gillam | May 10, 2018

The Food and Drug Administration has responded to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests for information regarding its efforts to start testing food samples for residues of glyphosate as well as some other herbicides, including 2, 4-D. Many of those documents can be accessed below: FDA FOIA 2017-7005 FDA FOIA 2017-7005 part 2 FDA Final … FDA FOIA Documents Regarding Glyphosate Residue Testing

Landmark Lawsuit Claims Monsanto Hid Cancer Danger of Weedkiller for Decades

Susan Lang | May 22, 2018

In June, a California groundskeeper will make history by taking company to trial on claims it suppressed harm of Roundup Thisarticlewasoriginallypublishedin TheGuardian. By Carey Gillam At the age of 46, DeWayne Johnson is not ready to die. But with cancer spread through most of his body, doctors say he probably has just months to live. … Landmark Lawsuit Claims Monsanto Hid Cancer Danger of Weedkiller for Decades

First Monsanto Roundup Cancer Trial Underway

Susan Lang | July 10, 2018

Related coverage: Landmark Lawsuit Claims Monsanto Hid Cancer Danger of Weedkiller for Decades, by Carey Gillam in The Guardian First Monsanto Roundup Cancer Trial Jury Selection, Carey Gillam’s blog By Carey Gillam Let the battle begin.Opening statements are slated for Monday in the landmark legal case that for the first time puts Monsanto and its … First Monsanto Roundup Cancer Trial Underway

Dicamba: Farmers fear another season of crop damage; court ruling awaited

Carey Gillam | June 2, 2020

With the turn of the calendar to June, farmers in the U.S. Midwest are wrapping up the planting of new soybean crops and tending to growing fields of young corn plants and vegetable plots. But many are also bracing to be hit by an invisible enemy that has wreaked havoc in farm country the last … Dicamba: Farmers fear another season of crop damage; court ruling awaited

U.S. regulators relied for years on flawed pesticide data provided by Dow Chemical

Carey Gillam | July 6, 2020

For years, U.S. regulators relied on falsified data provided by Dow Chemical to allow unsafe levels of the chemical chlorpyrifos into American homes, according to a new analysis from University of Washington researchers. The analysis reexamines work from the 1970s sponsored by Dow and submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to guide the agency … U.S. regulators relied for years on flawed pesticide data provided by Dow Chemical

U.S. Right to Know Sues EPA for Glyphosate Residue Documents

Gary Ruskin | May 22, 2018

News Release For Immediate Release: Tuesday, May 22, 2018 For More Information Contact:Carey Gillam (913) 526-6190 U.S. Right to Know, a consumer advocacy organization, filed a lawsuit on Monday against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for violating provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).Public Citizen Litigation Group, a public interest law firm in Washington, … U.S. Right to Know Sues EPA for Glyphosate Residue Documents

An Unappetizing Analysis from the FDA

Carey Gillam | October 28, 2019

Last month the Food & Drug Administration published its latest annual analysis of the levels of pesticide residues that contaminate the fruits and veggies and other foods we Americans routinely put on our dinner plates. The fresh data adds to growing consumer concern and scientific debate over how pesticide residues in food may contribute – … An Unappetizing Analysis from the FDA

U.S. regulators relied for years on flawed pesticide data provided by Dow Chemical

Carey Gillam | July 6, 2020

California court rejects Bayer’s petition to review Pilliod Roundup trial victory

Carey Gillam | November 18, 2021

Bayer AG suffered yet another setback this week in the company’s ongoing effort to undo at least one of the trial losses dealt to Monsanto Co. in U.S. litigation alleging that the company’s Roundup herbicide causes cancer and Monsanto spent decades covering up the risks. Bayer, which bought Monsanto in 2018 just as the first … California court rejects Bayer’s petition to review Pilliod Roundup trial victory

Stephens trial drags on, toxicologist testifies about studies of herbicide and cancer risk

Carey Gillam | October 25, 2021

A scientist testified Monday that a California woman’s regular use of Monsanto’s Roundup herbicide “vastly” exceeded the exposure scientific research shows more than doubles the risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). William Sawyer, a toxicologist and expert witness for plaintiff Donnetta Stephens in her lawsuit against Monsanto, cited scientific research that links use of Monsanto’s … Stephens trial drags on, toxicologist testifies about studies of herbicide and cancer risk

Monsanto lawyer cross-examines cancer patient over her claims Roundup caused her disease

Carey Gillam | September 20, 2021

A California woman suing Monsanto over allegations that her use of Roundup weed killer caused her to develop cancer testified Monday that she had a hard time remembering many details about the extent of her use of the pesticide, struggling to answer several questions posed by a Monsanto attorney. In cross examination, Monsanto attorney Bart … Monsanto lawyer cross-examines cancer patient over her claims Roundup caused her disease

Bayer wins Roundup trial; plaintiff fails to prove exposure caused child’s disease

Carey Gillam | October 6, 2021

The former Monsanto Co., now owned by Bayer AG, notched its first win in the mass tort U.S. Roundup litigation on Tuesday, defeating at trial a mother who alleged her use of Roundup exposed her child to the pesticide and caused him to develop cancer. Ezra Clark was born in May 2011 and diagnosed in … Bayer wins Roundup trial; plaintiff fails to prove exposure caused child’s disease

Monsanto scientist defends Roundup safety in California trial

Carey Gillam | September 28, 2021

A senior scientist at the former Monsanto Co. told jurors in a California trial that the company’s Roundup herbicide is so safe that the scientist uses it regularly at her home, and suggests friends also use the weed killing product. Donna Farmer, who worked as a toxicologist at Monsanto for more than two decades and … Monsanto scientist defends Roundup safety in California trial

Cancer patient lawyer spars with Monsanto scientist in California Roundup trial

Carey Gillam | September 22, 2021

A lawyer for a woman claiming her use of Roundup herbicide caused her to develop non-Hodgkin lymphoma sparred with a longtime Monsanto scientist in court on Wednesday, forcing the scientist to address numerous internal corporate documents about research showing Monsanto weed killers could be genotoxic and lead to cancer. The testimony by former Monsanto scientist … Cancer patient lawyer spars with Monsanto scientist in California Roundup trial

Son testifies about his mother’s cancer alleged due to Roundup exposure

Carey Gillam | September 14, 2021

A woman suffering from non-Hodgkin lymphoma was a devoted user of Roundup herbicide for decades before she became ill, her son testified Tuesday in a California trial that marks the fourth such trial pitting a cancer victim against Roundup maker Monsanto. Under questioning by a lawyer representing plaintiff Donetta Stephens, her son David Stephens recalled … Son testifies about his mother’s cancer alleged due to Roundup exposure

Bayer Roundup trial goes virtual, and it does not go well

Carey Gillam | August 30, 2021

In fits and starts, and with a good dose of frustration over technical difficulties, a California trial pitting an elderly cancer victim against Monsanto owner Bayer AG resumed on Monday in a virtual format after in-person proceedings were suspended last week, reportedly due to concerns about the spread of Covid-19. Due to an array of … Bayer Roundup trial goes virtual, and it does not go well

Covid delays one Roundup cancer trial while another looms

Carey Gillam | August 24, 2021

The California trial pitting an elderly cancer victim against Monsanto owner Bayer AG has been delayed due to concerns about the spread of Covid-19, with proceedings now expected to resume next week in a virtual format via Zoom. Lawyers for plaintiff Donnetta Stephens say that she was a regular user of Monsanto’s glyphosate-based Roundup herbicide … Covid delays one Roundup cancer trial while another looms

Scientist testifies in Roundup trial; judge reverses ruling that had helped Monsanto

Carey Gillam | August 12, 2021

A former U.S. government scientist testifying in the fourth Roundup cancer trial to be held in the United States told a California jury this week that multiple research studies conducted over many years show an “almost certain” connection between Monsanto glyphosate-based herbicides and cancer. Christopher Portier, who is testifying as expert witness on behalf of … Scientist testifies in Roundup trial; judge reverses ruling that had helped Monsanto

Bayer seeks U.S. Supreme Court review of Roundup trial loss

Carey Gillam | August 16, 2021

Monsanto owner Bayer AG on Monday filed a petition with the U.S. Supreme Court, seeking the high court’s review of one of its trial losses in the nationwide Roundup cancer litigation. The move is widely seen as Bayer’s best hope for putting an end to claims that exposure to Monsanto’s glyphosate-based herbicides, such as the … Bayer seeks U.S. Supreme Court review of Roundup trial loss

Appeals court rejects Bayer bid to overturn Roundup trial loss; cites Monsanto “reckless disregard” for consumer safety

Carey Gillam | August 9, 2021

Monsanto owner Bayer AG has lost another appeals court decision in the sweeping U.S. Roundup litigation, continuing to struggle to find a way out from under the crush of tens of thousands of claims alleging that Monsanto’s glyphosate-based herbicides cause cancer. In a decision handed down on Monday, the 1st Appellate District in the Court … Appeals court rejects Bayer bid to overturn Roundup trial loss; cites Monsanto “reckless disregard” for consumer safety

Bayer heads into next U.S. cancer trial, opening statements set for Thursday

Carey Gillam | August 4, 2021

Despite Bayer AG’s efforts to put an end to costly litigation inherited in its acquisition of Monsanto, opening statements in yet another trial are set for Thursday as a woman suffering from non-Hodgkin lymphoma claims Monsanto’s Roundup herbicide caused her cancer. A jury of seven men and five women have been seated in the case … Bayer heads into next U.S. cancer trial, opening statements set for Thursday

New Roundup cancer trial starting in California

Carey Gillam | July 26, 2021

Lawyers representing a woman suffering from cancer are prepared to face off against Monsanto and its German owner Bayer AG in a California courtroom on Monday in what is set as the fourth trial over allegations Monsanto’s popular Roundup weed killers cause non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Jury selection in the case of Donnetta Stephens v. Monsanto … New Roundup cancer trial starting in California

Bayer gets lift in pre-trial ruling ahead of Roundup cancer trial

Carey Gillam | July 19, 2021

A California judge gave Monsanto and its German owner Bayer AG a pre-trial boost in a ruling issued Monday, a week before the scheduled start of a new courtroom challenge to the safety of Monsanto’s Roundup herbicides. Judge Gilbert Ochoa of the Superior Court of San Bernardino County in California agreed with Monsanto that federal … Bayer gets lift in pre-trial ruling ahead of Roundup cancer trial

New study examines Roundup herbicide impact on honeybees

Carey Gillam | January 25, 2021

A group of Chinese researchers has found evidence that commercial glyphosate-based herbicide products are harmful to honeybees at or below recommended concentrations. In a paper published in the online journal Scientific Reports , researchers affiliated with the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences in Beijing and the Chinese Bureau of Landscape and Forestry, said they found … New study examines Roundup herbicide impact on honeybees

Judge shoots down Bayer’s plan to limit future Roundup legal liability, issues harsh criticism

Carey Gillam | May 26, 2021

(UPDATED May 27 with Bayer statement about new plans) The federal judge overseeing nationwide Roundup litigation on Wednesday denied Bayer’s latest attempt to limit its legal liability from future cancer claims associated with its glyphosate-based herbicides, citing numerous “glaring flaws” in a settlement proposed to apply to Roundup users who have not yet sued the … Judge shoots down Bayer’s plan to limit future Roundup legal liability, issues harsh criticism

Another loss for Bayer over Roundup cancer claims as appeals court shoots down preemption argument

Carey Gillam | May 14, 2021

In a blow to Monsanto owner Bayer AG’s bid to block continued liability over Roundup cancer litigation, a federal appeals court shot down the company’s argument that federal regulatory backing of the company’s herbicides preempts claims made by cancer patient Edwin Hardeman. In a ruling issued Friday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth … Another loss for Bayer over Roundup cancer claims as appeals court shoots down preemption argument

Trial lawyers accuse Monsanto, Bayer of “pay-to-appeal scheme,” allege “fraud”

Carey Gillam | April 23, 2021

The lawyers who led the nationwide U.S. Roundup litigation through three trial victories and forced Monsanto owner Bayer AG into an $11 billion settlement have notified a federal court that they have uncovered evidence of fraud in a secret deal between Monsanto and a lone plaintiff’s lawyer who has not been active in the litigation … Trial lawyers accuse Monsanto, Bayer of “pay-to-appeal scheme,” allege “fraud”

Another Roundup study finds links to potential human health problems

Carey Gillam | February 15, 2021

(Updated February 17, adding criticism of study) A new scientific paper examining the potential health impacts of Roundup herbicides found links between exposure to the weed killing chemical glyphosate and an increase in a type of amino acid known to be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The researchers made their determinations after exposing pregnant … Another Roundup study finds links to potential human health problems

Roundup cancer trials still a threat to Bayer, but settlement talks progressing

Carey Gillam | September 24, 2020

Lawyers for Monsanto owner Bayer AG and for plaintiffs suing Monsanto told a federal judge on Thursday that they were continuing to make progress in settling sweeping nationwide litigation brought by people who claim Monsanto’s Roundup caused them to develop cancer. In a video hearing, Bayer lawyer William Hoffman told U.S. District Judge Vince Chhabria … Roundup cancer trials still a threat to Bayer, but settlement talks progressing

EPA thumbs nose at court order, says farmers can still use illegal dicamba herbicides

Carey Gillam | June 9, 2020

(UPDATES with comment from BASF) The Environmental Protection Agency on Monday declared it would not immediately honor a court ruling handed down last week that banned certain herbicides made by three of the world’s largest chemical companies. The move by the EPA amounts to a generous gift to BASF, Bayer and Corteva Agrisciences whose dicamba … EPA thumbs nose at court order, says farmers can still use illegal dicamba herbicides

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