glyphosate Archives

Merchants of Poison webinar: The high stakes of pesticide industry disinformation

Stacy Malkan | June 15, 2023

Based on internal corporate documents, the Merchants of Poison report offers a rare look inside the science denial and disinformation tactics Monsanto used to defend its profits from glyphosate, an herbicide linked to cancer. In this webinar, report author Stacy Malkan of U.S. Right to Know shares five core tactics the company and other pesticide … Merchants of Poison webinar: The high stakes of pesticide industry disinformation

Bay Area Man vs. Monsanto: First Trial Over Roundup Cancer Claims Set to Begin

Stacy Malkan | June 19, 2018

By Carey Gillam Dewayne “Lee” Johnson has led what many might call an unremarkable life. The 46-year-old father and husband spent several years working as a school groundskeeper and spending free time teaching his two young sons to play football. But this week he takes center stage in a global debate over the safety of … Bay Area Man vs. Monsanto: First Trial Over Roundup Cancer Claims Set to Begin

Farmers Vs. Monsanto: The Glyphosate Trials

Stacy Malkan | March 5, 2018

“Science Week” in a federal court will decide if farmer cancer lawsuits move forward Live updates from court hearings by Carey Gillam Transcripts of Daubert Hearings posted here News Release For Immediate Release: Monday, March 5, 2018 For More Information Contact: Carey Gillam (913) 526-6190; Stacy Malkan (510) 542-9224 San Francisco, Calif.; March 5, 2018 — A … Farmers Vs. Monsanto: The Glyphosate Trials

New weed killer studies raise concern for reproductive health

Carey Gillam | August 12, 2020

As Bayer AG seeks to discount concerns that Monsanto’s glyphosate-based herbicides cause cancer, several new studies are raising questions about the chemical’s potential impact on reproductive health. An assortment of animal studies released this summer indicate that glyphosate exposures impact reproductive organs and could threaten fertility, adding fresh evidence that the weed killing agent might … New weed killer studies raise concern for reproductive health

A Story Behind the Monsanto Cancer Trial — Journal Sits on Retraction

Susan Lang | August 22, 2018

What “ghostwriting” by Monsanto means, how it has influenced, and still is influencing, material found in peer-reviewed scientific journals Thisarticlewasoriginallypublishedin EnvironmentalHealthNews. By Carey Gillam and Nathan Donley Consumers and journalists around the world were stunned earlier this month when Monsanto, after being forced in a court of law for the first time to defend the … A Story Behind the Monsanto Cancer Trial — Journal Sits on Retraction

The EPA is meant to protect us. The Monsanto trials suggest it is not

Stacy Malkan | May 7, 2019

FDA Finds Monsanto’s Weed Killer In U.S. Honey

Carey Gillam | September 21, 2016

By Carey Gillam The Food and Drug Administration, under public pressure to start testing samples of U.S. food for the presence of a pesticide that has been linked to cancer, has some early findings that are not so sweet. In examining honey samples from various locations in the United States, the FDA has found fresh … FDA Finds Monsanto’s Weed Killer In U.S. Honey

Internal FDA Emails: Weedkiller Found in Granola and Crackers

Susan Lang | May 2, 2018

This article was originally published in the Guardian. By Carey Gillam US government scientists have detected a weedkiller linked to cancer in an array of commonly consumed foods, emails obtained through a freedom of information request show. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been testing food samples for residues of glyphosate, the active ingredient … Internal FDA Emails: Weedkiller Found in Granola and Crackers

USDA Shirking Obligation to Give Consumers Clarity Over Herbicide Residues on Food

Carey Gillam | January 11, 2016

When microbiologist Bruce Hemming was hired two years ago to test breast milk samples for residues of the key ingredient in the popular weed-killer Roundup, Hemming at first scoffed at the possibility.Hemming, the founder of St. Louis-based Microbe Inotech Laboratories, knew that the herbicidal ingredient called glyphosate was not supposed to accumulate in the human … USDA Shirking Obligation to Give Consumers Clarity Over Herbicide Residues on Food

Key court hearing Wednesday in Bayer cancer liability litigation

Carey Gillam | May 17, 2021

(UPDATED May 18 with pretrial order) As Bayer AG works to put an end to costly litigation over alleged connections between Roundup herbicide and cancer, the company faces a critical hearing on Wednesday in federal court in San Francisco. At issue in the hearing is a proposed $2 billion class action settlement structured by Bayer … Key court hearing Wednesday in Bayer cancer liability litigation

New analysis of glyphosate industry studies finds them outdated, flawed

Carey Gillam | July 4, 2021

See Carey Gillam’s article in The Guardian, Corporate studies asserting herbicide safety show many flaws, new analysis finds (July 2, 2021). In this post we provide links to the 53 once-secret studies and related materials. Questions about the safety of glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) have persisted for years, as scientific research has split over whether or … New analysis of glyphosate industry studies finds them outdated, flawed

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

Up Next – Trial In Monsanto’s Hometown Set for August After $2 Billion Roundup Cancer Verdict

Carey Gillam | May 17, 2019

After three stunning courtroom losses in California, the legal battle over the safety of Monsanto’s top-selling Roundup herbicide is headed for the company’s hometown, where corporate officials can be forced to appear on the witness stand, and legal precedence shows a history of anti-corporate judgments. Sharlean Gordon, an cancer-stricken woman in her 50s, is the … Up Next – Trial In Monsanto’s Hometown Set for August After $2 Billion Roundup Cancer Verdict

“Serious, Deadly Injury” Cited in New Appeals Court Filing Over Roundup Cancer Claims

Carey Gillam | August 19, 2019

ACalifornia appeals court should reject efforts by Monsanto to overturn a jury verdict awarding millions of dollars to a school groundskeeper and approve $250 million in punitive damages the jury ordered a year ago this month in the first Roundup cancer trial, according to a brief in the case filed Monday. The brief filed by … “Serious, Deadly Injury” Cited in New Appeals Court Filing Over Roundup Cancer Claims

SF Roundup Case Demonstrates Importance of Independence in Scientific Evidence

Susan Lang | August 30, 2018

Thisarticlewas originally published in the San Francisco Chronicle. By Nathan Donley and Carey Gillam It’s been three weeks since a San Francisco jury found that exposure to Monsanto’s Roundup herbicides contributed to former school groundskeeper Dewayne “Lee” Johnson’s terminal cancer and awarded a stunning $289 million in damages to the 46-year-old father. And during that … SF Roundup Case Demonstrates Importance of Independence in Scientific Evidence

Six Monsanto Roundup Cancer Trials Set for January

Carey Gillam | November 26, 2019

After several months out of the headlines, lawyers for both sides of the nationwide Roundup cancer litigation are gearing up for overlapping trials in the new year as several more cancer patients seek to blame Monsanto for their diseases. Six trials are currently set to take place starting in January, with one in February, two … Six Monsanto Roundup Cancer Trials Set for January

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

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

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

Glyphosate ‘Revolution’ Growing — Consumers Want Answers

Carey Gillam | May 25, 2016

By Carey Gillam They’re calling it a glyphosate “revolution.” Consumers around the world are waking up to the fact that they’re living in a world awash in the weed-killing pesticide known as glyphosate. And they don’t like it one bit. Over the last several years, some scientists have been warning that the long-touted environmental and … Glyphosate ‘Revolution’ Growing — Consumers Want Answers

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

More Bad News for Honey as U.S. Seeks to Get Handle on Glyphosate Residues in Foods

Carey Gillam | November 3, 2016

Testing for residues of an herbicide developed by Monsanto Co. that has been linked to cancer has turned up high levels in honey from the key farm state of Iowa, adding to concerns about herbicide contamination that have triggered at least two lawsuits against honey industry players and prompted scrutiny by regulators. The Food and … More Bad News for Honey as U.S. Seeks to Get Handle on Glyphosate Residues in Foods

Trump Talk Of Pompeo For Cabinet Could Spell Setback For Consumers

Carey Gillam | November 18, 2016

News that President-elect Donald Trump is considering U.S. Rep. Mike Pompeo for a cabinet slot illustrates just how dark the days ahead might be for America’s burgeoning “food movement,” which has been advocating for more transparency and fewer pesticides in food production. Pompeo, a Republican from the farm state of Kansas, was the designated hitter … Trump Talk Of Pompeo For Cabinet Could Spell Setback For Consumers

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

Monsanto says its pesticides are safe. Now, a court wants to see the proof

Stacy Malkan | March 5, 2018

This week’s events will mark the first time that the science used to justify certain pesticides will be analyzed under oath for all to see This article was first published in The Guardian. By Carey Gillam On Monday, a federal court hearing in San Francisco will turn a public spotlight on to the science surrounding … Monsanto says its pesticides are safe. Now, a court wants to see the proof

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

The Future Of Food Needs Transparency And Integrity

Susan Lang | July 24, 2018

This article was originally published in Investor’s Business Daily . ByStacy Malkan and Carey Gillam “Food companies can’t figure out what Americans want to eat,” according to a June Wall Street Journal article. Food industry CEOs are “rushing for the exits,” WSJ reported in October, and the food lobby is “splintering,” Politico explained, as food … The Future Of Food Needs Transparency And Integrity

See the Email Trail Showing Influence Peddling by Press Association to Bayer

Carey Gillam | November 22, 2019

Journalists around the globe have reacted with outrage to revelations published in The Guardian this week that show Thanos Dimadis, the former executive director of the Foreign Press Foundation, offered an unusual arrangement to Bayer AG that called for using the press organization, which is dedicated to protecting a free press, in ways that would … See the Email Trail Showing Influence Peddling by Press Association to Bayer

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. 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

How the media fell for a GMO front group attack on Dr. Oz

Stacy Malkan | April 20, 2015

The 55-point headline in Slate blares, “Letter from Prominent Doctors Implies Columbia Should Fire Dr. Oz for Being a Quack.” The story by Ben Mathis-Lilly is based on a letter by a group of doctors who want Columbia University to relieve Dr. Oz of his position as vice chair of the department of surgery at … How the media fell for a GMO front group attack on Dr. Oz

U.S. Supreme Court sets date to consider review of Monsanto Roundup case

Carey Gillam | November 24, 2021

Bayer AG’s effort to get the U.S. Supreme Court to review a key trial loss in the nationwide Roundup litigation inched forward this week when the high court said it would include Bayer’s petition for a writ of certiorari in a December 10 conference where the justices will discuss which cases to accept for review. … U.S. Supreme Court sets date to consider review of Monsanto Roundup case

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

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