EU member states have agreed on Monday to restrict the use of glyphosate in their bloc for up to 18 months, as they await a new opinion on whether the controversial weed killer poses health risks or not.
There is uncertainty over whether glyphosate, one of the world’s most commonly used active ingredients in weedkillers, causes cancer.
The herbicide is widely used in farming but also to control plants in domestic and urban settings.
The European Commission last month extended the EU-wide licence for glyphosate by up to 18 months.
The extension will last until the European Chemicals Agency has issued an opinion on its safety, a decision that is due by the end of 2017.
While allowing glyphosate to continue being utilized in the 28-country EU, the commission also recommended curbs on its use.
The restrictions approved Monday include a ban on the additive tallowamine in glyphosate-based products.
Member states were also called upon to minimise the use of glyphosate in areas such as public parks and playgrounds, and to apply greater scrutiny to pre-harvest uses.
“This will apply for the duration of the extension, until the European Agency for Chemical Products will issue its opinion on the substance,” the commission spokesman, Enrico Brivio said.
Agricultural and chemical industry groups have argued in favour of glyphosate, while environmental groups have expressed concerns about its effect on human health and wildlife. (dpa/NAN)