In a landmark decision, a French court has ruled that Bayer is not legally liable for alleged birth defects linked to glyphosate, the main ingredient in its widely used herbicide, Roundup. The case was brought by the Grataloup family, who claimed that prenatal exposure to glyphosate caused severe abnormalities in their son.
The family argued that the mother’s exposure to glyphosate during pregnancy contributed to their child’s birth defects, including damage to the oesophagus and larynx. The case, one of the first of its kind in France, attracted national attention as it raised critical questions about the safety of glyphosate and corporate accountability.
However, the court declared the complaint inadmissible, effectively siding with Bayer. The company welcomed the ruling, stating that the decision reaffirmed the lack of legal grounds linking glyphosate to birth defects. Bayer has consistently defended the safety of its glyphosate-based products, despite mounting lawsuits and controversy.
While the Grataloup family expressed disappointment with the verdict, their legal team confirmed plans to appeal. They continue to argue that more scientific scrutiny is needed and that the court ruling does not address the long-term health concerns surrounding pesticide exposure during pregnancy.
Bayer has already faced thousands of lawsuits in the United States over glyphosate’s alleged link to cancer. The company has paid over $10 billion to settle many of those cases, although it maintains that the product is safe when used as directed.
In the European Union, glyphosate remains approved for use until December 2033, despite ongoing debates about its potential health risks. Regulators have upheld its authorization, citing insufficient evidence to justify a ban.
This French court decision highlights the legal complexities surrounding environmental health cases and sets a precedent for future litigation involving glyphosate and other chemical products in Europe.