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25 Years Later: Glyphosate Safety Study Retracted

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 09:49:58 GMT

A scientific paper assessing the safety of glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, was formally retracted in 2025, 25 years after its publication. The 2000 study had concluded that glyphosate was safe for humans.

The retraction followed evidence from court documents released in 2017 showing that company employees had contributed to the paper without being listed as authors — a practice known as ghostwriting. Despite these concerns being publicly known for several years, the journal did not issue a retraction until 2025.

Before its withdrawal, the paper was widely cited and relied upon by regulators in assessing glyphosate’s safety. Its retraction highlights the importance of transparency, independence, and caution when research is used to inform public health and environmental policy.

What is glyphosate?

Glyphosate is the active ingredient in many weedkillers used in NZ, including Roundup. Roundup was originally developed by Monsanto, which has since been acquired by Bayer.

Read more about independent research indicating harm associated with glyphosate use.

C&EN: Glyphosate study from 2000 retracted amid corporate-influence concerns

https://cen.acs.org/research-integrity/misconduct/Glyphosate-study-2000-retracted-amid/103/web/2025/12?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Glyphosate Health Risks

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 10:10:29 GMT

Reference List

Glyphosate Health Risks

Exposure to glyphosate increases the risk of a cancer called non-Hodgkin lymphoma by 41 percent https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1383574218300887
Ramazzini Institute (2018) – Early-life exposures disrupt development, gut microbiome, hormone levels, and DNA integrity: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5972398/?utm_source
Panzacchi et al., 2025 – Lifetime exposure to glyphosate at low doses in rats caused benign and malignant tumours: https://ehjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12940-025-01187-2
NHANES Analysis, 2013–14 – Higher urinary glyphosate associated with memory loss, depression, and hearing difficulties: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S001393512301664X
Ecuador Teen Study – Adolescent glyphosate exposure linked to poorer attention, memory, language, and inhibitory control: https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1003778
Rodent study – Maternal glyphosate exposure caused autism-like behaviours in offspring: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32398374/
Environmental Health (2022) – Glyphosate detected in 99% of pregnant women; higher exposure associated with shorter pregnancies:
https://ehjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12940-022-00906-3?utm_source
Oxidative organ damage – Glyphosate provokes oxidative damage in rat liver and kidneys: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4756530/?utm_source
Glyphosate in breast milk – Linked to infant deaths in India:
https://beyondpesticides.org/dailynewsblog/2023/02/pesticides-in-breast-milk-linked-to-over-100-newborn-deaths-in-less-than-a-year/

GMOs, Chemical Dependance and Gene Escape: What Science Is Warning Us About

Sat, 23 Aug 2025 03:18:55 GMT

The Hidden Hazards of Genetic Engineering

Dr. Mae-Wan Ho warns that genetic engineering inherently promotes horizontal gene transfer (HGT)—the movement of genetic material across unrelated species—which can create new pathogens, spread antibiotic resistance, and destabilize ecosystems. Unlike natural HGT, which is regulated and limited by species barriers, genetic engineering uses artificial vectors that are designed to cross species boundaries and invade genomes, often carrying viral, bacterial, or disease-related genes.

Potential Hazards:

Creation of new viruses and bacteria capable of causing disease.
Spread of antibiotic resistance among pathogens.
Insertional mutagenesis in cells, potentially leading to cancer.
Reactivation of dormant viruses.
Broad ecological impacts due to unintended gene flow

Ref: https://biosafety-info.net/articles/biosafety-science/horizontal-gene-transfer/horizontal-gene-transfer-the-hidden-hazards-of-genetic-engineering/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

GE crops have fueled greater chemical dependence:

A 2012 study by Charles Benbrook examined U.S. data from 1996–2011 on genetically engineered (GE) crops, including herbicide-resistant soy, corn, and cotton, as well as insect-resistant Bt varieties. Contrary to claims that GMOs reduce chemical use, the study found that herbicide-resistant crops increased herbicide applications by 239 million kilograms due to glyphosate-resistant weeds, while Bt crops only modestly reduced insecticide use by 56 million kilograms.

Overall, pesticide use rose by about 7%, showing that GE crops have fueled greater chemical dependence rather than reducing it. The research highlights the ecological and health risks of herbicide-heavy GE farming and supports calls to reconsider policies that promote these crops.

Ref: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/257885039_Impacts_of_genetically_engineered_crops_on_pesticide_use_in_the_US-the_first_sixteen_years

"Superweeds" and Glyphosate Resistance

Studies confirm widespread glyphosate-resistant weeds (over 40 species worldwide), forcing farmers to resort to older, more toxic herbicides like 2,4-D and dicamba. This chemical treadmill is directly linked to herbicide-resistant GMO crops.

A landmark study by Dr. Charles Benbrook (Washington State University, 2012) examined 16 years of U.S. Department of Agriculture data on genetically engineered herbicide-tolerant crops. The findings were stark:

Herbicide use skyrocketed—from 1.5 million pounds in 1999 to 90 million pounds in 2011.
The increase was driven by the rapid spread of glyphosate-resistant “superweeds”, directly linked to widespread planting of GE soy, corn, and cotton.
Farmers were forced to spray higher volumes more frequently and add older, more toxic herbicides like 2,4-D and dicamba to control resistant weeds.

What was promised as a technology to reduce chemicals instead created a chemical treadmill—locking agriculture into escalating pesticide dependence.

This research demonstrates that herbicide-tolerant GMOs have not only failed to reduce chemical use, but have entrenched it deeper into the food system, with consequences for soil, ecosystems, and human health.

Ref: https://phys.org/news/2012-10-superweeds-linked-herbicide-gm-crops.html

Benbrook, C. (2012).
Impacts of genetically engineered crops on pesticide use in the U.S.—the first sixteen years. Environmental Sciences Europe.

David Suzuki has expressed strong concerns about GMOs, stating:

“Products of biotechnology are being rammed into our food, onto our fields and into our medicines ... But there are profound health, ecological and economic ramifications of this activity.”

He also warned that:

“Any politician or scientist who tells you these products are safe is either very stupid or lying.”

Canadian environmentalist and geneticist

Why The Gene Technology Bill is Unsafe – NZ

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 23:03:13 GMT

The New Zealand Government is promoting its Gene Technology Bill as an “update to match science and technology.” In reality, this law would deregulate genetically engineered (GE) crops in ways that ignore well-documented harms and global experience.

Independent research and international case studies demonstrate that GE crops are not only failing to deliver safety promises but are also directly linked to ecological damage, health risks, and costly regulatory failures.

An example of just one study's conclusion following chronic ultra-low dose Roundup exposure: "Our results suggest that chronic exposure to a GBH in an established laboratory animal toxicity model system at an ultra-low, environmental dose can result in liver and kidney damage with potential significant health implications for animal and human populations."

Ecological Harms Already Seen from GE Crops

Monarch butterfly decline

The expansion of glyphosate-tolerant GE corn and soy in North America has been directly linked to the loss of milkweed – the only plant monarch caterpillars can eat. Large-scale eradication of milkweed has contributed to monarch population crashes.

Secondary pest outbreaks

In northern China, the widespread planting of Bt cotton initially reduced bollworm pressure, but new “secondary” pests surged in response. Mirid bugs spread across multiple crops, showing that altering pest dynamics with GE traits can destabilise ecosystems.

Herbicide drift and off-target damage

The adoption of dicamba-tolerant GE crops in the U.S. led to millions of acres of unintended damage from drifting spray. Farmers and conservationists reported widespread harm to orchards, vineyards, vegetables, and native plants—problems so severe that regulators were forced into ongoing restrictions and court cases.

Gene escapes into the wild

Surveys in North America have found feral GE canola populations growing along roadsides, some carrying stacked herbicide-resistant traits. This persistence demonstrates that GE traits are not fully contained and can spread into unmanaged environments.

Documented Human and Food Safety Concerns

Food chain contamination

The “StarLink” case in the U.S. revealed how a GE corn variety approved only for animal feed entered the human food supply. The contamination resulted in nearly 300 product recalls, significant trade disruptions, and allergy investigations.

Residues in GE soybeans

Market basket analyses reveal that Roundup Ready soybeans frequently contain measurable glyphosate residues, unlike conventional or organic soy. This means GE crops are increasing pesticide exposure in the human diet—contradicting claims of equivalence and safety.

Allergins
In the early 1990s, researchers at the University of Nebraska inserted a gene from the Brazil nut into soybeans to enhance their methionine content, an essential amino acid. However, the modified soybeans expressed a protein that was a known allergen in Brazil nuts. When tested, individuals with Brazil nut allergies experienced allergic reactions upon exposure to the GM soybeans. This led to the termination of the project, demonstrating the potential for unintended allergenicity in GM foods.

Environmental pathways to health risks

Studies have shown that Bt toxins from GE corn can wash into waterways, affecting sensitive aquatic insects. This highlights how GE traits can move beyond fields into ecosystems that also support human health.

Why This Matters for New Zealand

NZ already has some of the world’s highest cancer rates, and our unique biodiversity is especially vulnerable to chemical-intensive agriculture. The Gene Technology Bill would deregulate GE crops in ways that increase pesticide use, reduce ecological resilience, and expose New Zealand to the same failures already documented overseas.

Rather than fast-tracking risky genetic technologies tied to chemical dependency, NZ should be investing in ecological, organic, and regenerative farming systems that protect both people and the environment. (Read more about the financial risks of the Gene Technology bill here).

The evidence is clear: GE crops designed for pesticide use are unsafe, unnecessary, and incompatible with a healthy food future for New Zealand.

References

Séralini, G-E. et al. (2012). Long term toxicity of a Roundup herbicide and a Roundup-tolerant genetically modified maize. https://enveurope.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s12302-014-0014-5

Summary: The 2012 study by Séralini et al., which reported long-term toxicity of GM maize NK603 and Roundup herbicide in rats, was retracted in 2013 by Food and Chemical Toxicology. The official reason cited was that the study's data were inconclusive and its conclusions unreliable. However, the retraction was not due to evidence of fraud or misconduct.

Many critics confirm that the retraction was influenced by political and industry pressures rather than by genuine scientific concerns. The study had already undergone peer review before publication, and the methodology, followed recognised toxicology procedures. The retraction appeared to be prompted by the controversial nature of the findings and by concerns about public reaction and commercial interests, rather than by objective scientific flaws. It was republished: 24 June 2014

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Mesnage, R. et al. (2017). Transcriptome profile analysis reflects rat liver and kidney damage following chronic ultra-low dose Roundup exposure https://ehjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12940-015-0056-

The long term and found significant liver and kidney gene expression changes, consistent with structural and functional organ damage (Mesnage et al., 2015). These results are reinforced by Panzacchi et al. (2025), which reported increased tumor incidences and carcinogenic effects in rats following long-term glyphosate-based herbicide exposure from prenatal life (Panzacchi et al., 2025).

Together, these studies demonstrate the potential health risks of chronic exposure to glyphosate-based herbicides. This is relevant to the proposed Gene Technology Bill, as deregulation of gene-edited crops would likely increase the use of such herbicides on herbicide-tolerant crops, potentially amplifying these documented risks to human and environmental health.

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Monarch butterfly and milkweed decline
Pleasants, J. M., & Oberhauser, K. S. (2013). Milkweed loss in agricultural fields because of herbicide use and its impact on monarch butterflies. Insect Conservation and Diversity, 6(2), 135–144.
https://resjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1752-4598.2012.00196.x

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The StarLink corn report (Krimsky, 2010) highlights regulatory failures and contamination risks, including reports of allergic reactions in humans, associated with an unapproved genetically engineered corn variety, without promoting genetically engineered crops or pesticide use. chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://media.rff.org/documents/RFF-RPT-StarLink.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com

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Brazil Nut Protein in GM Soybeans
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM199603143341103

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Rosi-Marshall, E. J., Tank, J. L., Royer, T. V., Whiles, M. R., Evans-White, M., Chambers, C., ... & Stephen, M. L. (2007). Toxins in transgenic crop byproducts may affect headwater stream ecosystems. PNAS, 104(41), 16204–16208. https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.0707177104

Summary: This study found that Bt corn byproducts (pollen, leaves, and stalks) entering headwater streams reduced growth and increased mortality of nontarget aquatic insects, such as caddisflies, potentially disrupting stream food webs. Bt corn (corn genetically engineered to produce an insecticidal protein from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis, or “Bt”) demonstrates that transgenic crops can have unintended ecological effects beyond terrestrial environments, underscoring the importance of assessing GE crops’ broader environmental impacts.

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Glyphosate residues in soy / human exposure Mesnage, R., Clair, E., Gress, S., et al. (2015). Cytotoxicity and gene expression alterations in human cells exposed to glyphosate and Roundup formulations. Environmental Health, 14: 43.

Glyphosate and Gene Editing: What the Public Needs to Know

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 00:27:15 GMT

Two proposed bills in New Zealand:

The Gene Technology Bill
and the Glyphosate Maximum Residue Level (MRL) Increase Bill

Would pose serious risks to public health, food safety, and the environment.

Gene Technology Bill

The Gene Technology Bill would deregulate oversight of gene-edited crops engineered for pesticide resistance. Independent studies show that such crops would lead to increased pesticide use, soil degradation, biodiversity loss, higher chemical residues in food, hormone disruption, cancer, and other chronic diseases.

Many countries, including EU member states, Japan, Australia, and Bhutan, already restrict or ban the cultivation of GMOs, reflecting global caution toward genetically modified crops.

These restrictions include strict labelling policies for GMO imports, such as in Japan, which does not export any GMO food.)

Glyphosate MRL Increase Bill

The proposed Glyphosate MRL Increase Bill would allow up to 100 times more glyphosate residues in certain crops. Research indicates that glyphosate would accumulate in human tissues, disrupt gut health and hormones, impair cognition and behaviour in adolescents, and increase the risk of cancers such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Around 20 countries, including Mexico, Vietnam, and EU nations, have banned or are phasing out glyphosate due to these documented risks.

Public Concern and Economic Impact

Surveys show that 75–89% of New Zealanders want to avoid GMOs and sectors linked to environmental degradation.

These bills would threaten sustainable agriculture, organic markets, responsible investment, and eco-tourism—sectors that rely on New Zealand’s clean environment, biodiversity, and chemical-free food reputation.

Responsible Policy Alternatives

New Zealand can support farmers while protecting public health and the environment. Investment in organic and regenerative farming, transparent food labelling, and stricter monitoring of chemical use would protect health, maintain biodiversity, and preserve New Zealand’s “clean, green” food reputation. It is a growing billion dollar industry.

(References here).

Glyphosate and GMOs: Economic and Public Health Risks for NZ

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 19:57:22 GMT

Many years ago, a slightly curious (and perhaps somewhat baffled) colleague asked why I had, for the first time in several years, managed to meet our substantial monthly targets within just two months, when previous managers had not. Despite the challenging economy at the time, I then went on to achieve the full annual multi-million-dollar target. As I had also consistently done for other businesses.

I had a few methods, and one was to always do the right thing first, including prioritising our customers and staff.

It never pays to take shortcuts, panic, or be greedy if you want to meet financial targets.

Recently, I went on an economic 'expedition' to see what I could find about New Zealand's sustainable markets.

It may surprise some of our nation that it does not pay to lose our clean green image and that an unhealthy nation is a costly one in several ways.

Changing our GE-free status is not great for our economy. (Let's ditch the Gene Technology bill for health reasons alone - but if you mainly care about the financial implications, then read on).

Likewise, increasing glyphosate (also known as Roundup) levels in food is not beneficial for the economy (and disastrous for our health).

Economic and Sectoral Risks

There are economic risks: The Sustainable Business Council's members collectively represent NZ$169 billion in annual turnover, reflecting the significant economic scale of businesses committed to sustainability in NZ.

These Bills Could Threaten Key Sectors:

• Sustainable construction: NZ$5 billion/year, projected NZ$142 billion by 2050, dependent on healthy biodiversity and uncontaminated natural resources.

• Responsible investment: NZ$153.5 billion in ESG-aligned funds, with NZ$4.74 billion in impact investments. Many exclude high chemical/GMO exposure; these changes could trigger divestment.

• Sustainable tourism: Tourism contributes around NZ$40 billion annually to New Zealand's economy. The sustainable and eco-tourism sectors are growing rapidly. The New Zealand sustainable tourism market is projected to grow from USD 12.7 million in 2025 to USD 57.7 million by 2035, representing a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 16.3%.

A 2024 survey shows that 75% of New Zealanders want to avoid investing in companies involved in genetic engineering (GMOs).

These sectors depend heavily on New Zealand's clean environment, biodiversity, and food integrity to attract discerning international visitors. Pristine landscapes and natural food systems, prized especially in markets sensitive to GMOs such as the EU and Japan, are key assets for sustaining this growth.

Glyphosate Proposal – Escalating Health Risks

The proposal to increase glyphosate residue limits—by up to 100 times in certain crops—is concerning, given growing evidence of its health risks. International research suggests glyphosate:

• Can accumulate in breast milk and body tissues

• Disrupts gut health, hormone balance, and DNA integrity

• Could impair cognition and behaviour in adolescents

• Increases the risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma

View health statistics here.

Two Harmful Food Bills NZ Must Reject

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 08:41:20 GMT

Chronic Diseases Linked to Pesticides and Glyphosate

Pesticides are widely used in modern agriculture and landscaping, yet their impacts on human health are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. Pesticides are frequently applied without precision, which leads to a number of adverse effects on human health, from acute intoxication to chronic diseases that include various types of cancer (brain cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, bladder cancer, and colon cancer), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease, neurotoxicity, infertility, leukemia, diabetes, and hormone disruption.

Reference:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844024051594

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Parkinson’s Disease and Pesticides

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association examined the relationship between pesticide exposure and Parkinson’s disease (PD). Researchers found that:

“Living within 1 mile of a golf course was associated with 126% increased odds of developing PD compared with individuals living more than 6 miles away from a golf course.”

Meaning: These findings suggest that pesticides applied to golf courses may play a role in the incidence of Parkinson’s disease for nearby residents.

Reference:

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2833716?utm_campaign=articlePDF&utm_medium=articlePDFlink&utm_source=articlePDF&utm_content=jamanetworkopen.2025.9198

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Glyphosate and Chronic Health Effects

Glyphosate, the world’s most widely used herbicide, has been linked in independent studies to multiple chronic health risks, including cancer, neurological damage, reproductive harm, and endocrine disruption. Research shows glyphosate can accumulate in the brain, triggering neuroinflammation, Alzheimer’s-like pathology, anxiety-like behavior, and genetic disruptions in neurons.

Pesticide exposure may act as an endocrine disruptor, interfering with hormone systems and contributing to developmental issues. Some studies have also linked exposure to autism-like behaviors in animal models, highlighting potential long-term risks to children's neurological health.

Chronic exposure to glyphosate and other pesticides is associated with an increased risk of cancers, including leukemia, bladder, breast, prostate, colon, and brain cancers.

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Other Chronic Health Effects Linked to Pesticides

Independent studies also highlight associations between pesticides (including glyphosate) and a wide range of chronic diseases:

Neurological disorders: Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, neurotoxicity
Reproductive harm: infertility, birth defects
Cancers: leukemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, bladder, prostate, breast, colon, and brain cancers
Metabolic effects: diabetes, endocrine disruption

Reference (summary of risks):

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844024051594

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Why This Matters

It affects our communities, food, and future generations. Communities near orchards, farms, and even golf courses are exposed through air, soil, and water. Chronic diseases linked to pesticides don’t appear overnight; they emerge after years of low-level exposure. So why increase glyphosate levels - it would be cruel.

If New Zealand raises glyphosate limits and weakens genetic safety laws, these risks — including cancer, neurological, and hormonal impacts — will increase, not decrease.

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Call to Action

Support independent research into pesticide health impacts.
Oppose laws that increase glyphosate exposure and weaken genetic safeguards.
Choose food produced with no pesticides.

Spread awareness: pesticides are not just an environmental issue — they are a public health issue.

References

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844024051594

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2833716?utm_campaign=articlePDF&utm_medium=articlePDFlink&utm_source=articlePDF&utm_content=jamanetworkopen.2025.9198

https://www.change.org/noharmtofood

“We observed early onset and early mortality for a number of rare malignant cancers, including leukemia, liver, ovary and nervous system tumors. Notably, approximately half of the deaths from leukemia seen in the glyphosate and GBHs treatment groups occurred at less than one year of age, comparable to less than 35–40 years of age in humans.”

— Dr. Daniele Mandrioli, Principal Investigator, Global Glyphosate Study

Sign & Share the Petition: change.org/noharmtofood

New Zealand Context: Why Two Food Bills Matter

Right now, New Zealand faces two new proposed laws that would directly affect pesticide use and food safety:

Raising glyphosate residue limits in food by up to 100 times – exposing families to far higher levels of chemicals linked to cancer and other chronic diseases.

Deregulating gene editing – allowing crops engineered for higher chemical tolerance, which could increase pesticide usage.

These changes would push New Zealand toward a more chemical-intensive food system, with serious risks to soil health, biodiversity, and public health.

Research also shows that pesticide exposure acts as an endocrine disruptor, interfering with hormone systems and contributing to developmental issues.

Studies have further linked glyphosate and other pesticides to autism-like behaviors in animal models, raising concerns about long-term impacts on children’s neurological health and development.

Pesticides can be ingested, inhaled, or absorbed via the skin.

Exposure to glyphosate increases the risk of a cancer called non-Hodgkin lymphoma by 41 percent

“Glyphosate-based herbicides have been shown to disrupt endocrine function at levels well below regulatory safety limits. Such disruption may contribute to developmental, reproductive, and metabolic disorders.”

— Dr. Michael Antoniou, King’s College London, co-author of independent glyphosate toxicity reviews