An alleged link between glyphosate and cancer is the basis of a class action lawsuit against Monsanto Co., makers of Roundup weed killer.
In the latest proceedings, plaintiffs have asked Monsanto to turn over 1,000-plus slides that display images of mouse kidney tissue from the 1980s.
The company argued in California federal court that it is a “last-minute” request that will unnecessarily interrupt the case schedule. Plaintiffs rebutted that the request for the evidence was made by the discovery deadline.
The glyphosate and cancer case is following a timeline set in November 2016.
The Alleged Connection Between Glyphosate and Cancer
Plaintiffs question the original findings that Roundup’s active ingredient glyphosate and cancer are not connected.
Monsanto claims five independent pathologists looked at the rare cancerous tumors in the mice’s kidneys and concluded the tumors were not caused by glyphosate, a conclusion that Monsanto’s scientists had reached as well. The EPA also determined in 1986 that glyphosate and cancer were unlikely connected.
Plaintiffs cite a more recent study, however, that indicates a possible link between glyphosate and cancer. Due to technological advances and tumor re-classifications since the 1980s, plaintiffs believe the slides are worth another look.
Monsanto sees the request for the slides as a stalling tactic.
Monsanto said, “Plaintiffs’ speculation that additional review might yield materially different interpretations than the prior reviews is therefore baseless and does not justify the disruption and burden imposed by their gamesmanship.”
Plaintiffs insist the slides can be reviewed in a timely manner that will have no effect on the litigation calendar.
Monsanto Allegedly Ghostwrote Glyphosate and Cancer Findings
In March, plaintiffs accused Monsanto employees of ghostwriting scientific reports that the EPA used to conclude glyphosate and cancer were unrelated.
Monsanto’s toxicology manager allegedly wrote portions of a report published in 2013 that appeared to be authored by a team of scientists. The manager’s supervisor allegedly ghostwrote portions of another report in 2000.
Plaintiffs say that Monsanto hid the fact the company’s own employees wrote the reports.
As evidence, an email regarding the 2013 report from a Monsanto executive was divulged that said, “We would be keeping the cost down by us doing the writing” and scientific researchers “would just edit and sign their names so to speak.”
Monsanto also allegedly worked with former EPA deputy director Jess Rowland to hide studies of glyphosate and cancer. Rowland chaired a committee that focused on carcinogens at the time.
Rowland allegedly told a Monsanto employee he “should get a medal” if he could “kill” a study of glyphosate and cancer that was being overseen by the Department of Health and Human Services. Rowland is now retired.
The glyphosate and cancer multidistrict litigation includes 60 lawsuits.
The Glyphosate and Cancer Lawsuit is Case No. 16-md-02741 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.
If you or a loved one developed cancer after using Roundup as a farm worker or home gardener, you may have a legal claim. Legal migrant farm workers may also seek help. Learn more by filling out the form on this page for a FREE case evaluation.
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