Stories

Wed, 06 May 2026

Wed, 06 May 2026 Campaigners call for ban on use of weedkiller glyphosate at harvest time

Campaigners are calling for a ban on the use of the weedkiller over health concerns.

* Glyphosate residues found in bread, breakfast cereals and beer
* Some studies link chemical to cancer and other illnesses
* Government's Health and Safety Executive (HSE) will soon launch consultation on continued use of glyphosate beyond 2026
* EU banned use as pre-harvest drying agent in 2023, campaigners want UK to follow suit
* Soil Association launches campaign to end use of glyphosate in this capacity
* Farmer and Riverford Organic Farmers founder Guy Singh-Watson says use is a "relatively modern practice" and not essential for wheat production
* HSE will launch public consultation on continued use of glyphosate this summer, taking into account new evidence
* National Farmers Union (NFU) and some other farming organisations support continued use of glyphosate-based weedkillers
* International scientists conclude that glyphosate can cause cancer and harm human health at current levels of use