Science Journal Retracts Monsanto Roundup Study Over ‘Ethical Concerns’

The journal Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology has officially retracted a significant study that supported Monsanto’s claims on glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup herbicide. The decision was made due to serious ethical concerns regarding the authors’ independence and the integrity of their research.

Background of the Retraction

The retracted paper, published in 2000, was titled “Safety Evaluation and Risk Assessment of the Herbicide Roundup and Its Active Ingredient, Glyphosate, for Humans.” It supported Monsanto’s argument that glyphosate does not pose health risks, including cancer. Until its retraction, the paper had been referenced by regulatory agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to justify glyphosate’s safety.

Concerns Raised

Martin van den Berg, editor in chief of the journal, highlighted that the retraction stemmed from concerns about the authorship and potential conflicts of interest. The main authors—Gary Williams, Robert Kroes, and Ian Munro—were deemed independent experts. However, correspondence revealed Monsanto’s significant involvement in the study’s development.

Influence of Monsanto

• Internal documents disclosed during litigation indicated that Monsanto influenced the creation of the paper.
• Email threads showed Monsanto employees celebrating the study’s publication as crucial for the company’s business strategy.
• A former Monsanto scientist suggested ghostwriting future studies, similar to how the 2000 paper was handled.

The documents also revealed that Monsanto employees were recognized for their contributions to the study. The company’s government affairs official noted the importance of the paper in enhancing their reputation and business plans.

Response from Bayer and Regulatory Agencies

Following the retraction, Bayer, which acquired Monsanto, stated that the paper’s acknowledgments sufficiently referenced the company’s involvement. They emphasized that the majority of glyphosate studies are free from Monsanto’s influence.

The EPA confirmed its awareness of the retraction but asserted that it had not relied on this particular study for any regulatory decisions regarding glyphosate. The agency is currently conducting a comprehensive human health risk assessment, expected to conclude before 2026.

Implications of the Retraction

• Brent Wisner, a lead attorney in the Roundup litigation, deemed the study a prime example of how corporate interests can compromise scientific integrity.
• Wisner expressed hope that this case would prompt journals to improve their vigilance in protecting independent scientific research.

The retraction highlights ongoing tensions surrounding glyphosate and Roundup, especially as thousands of lawsuits continue to claim that these products are linked to serious health issues, including non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.