Bayer, the German chemical conglomerate, has once again taken its battle over claims that its weedkiller Roundup causes cancer to the United States Supreme Court. This marks the third time the company has sought resolution from the highest court in the country, with the latest appeal being made under the leadership of its new CEO, Bill Anderson.
The legal troubles for Bayer began when it acquired the American agrochemical firm Monsanto, the original manufacturer of Roundup, in 2018. Since then, numerous claimants have alleged that the herbicide, which contains glyphosate, is linked to various types of cancer, including non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Despite these claims, Bayer maintains that scientific studies and regulatory reviews have consistently shown that the product is safe for use.
Previous attempts to bring the issue before the US Supreme Court in 2022 were unsuccessful, with the court choosing not to hear the appeals. However, following the Missouri Supreme Court’s refusal to reconsider a ruling against Bayer, the company now has the opportunity to pursue an appeal at the federal level.
In its latest petition, Monsanto, a subsidiary of Bayer, is asking the US Supreme Court to determine whether Roundup labels should be required to carry cancer warnings, as mandated in certain US states. Bayer argues that federal pesticide regulation laws should take precedence over conflicting state-level requirements, especially since the EPA has deemed glyphosate to be non-carcinogenic.
Bayer disclosed that there are still tens of thousands of lawsuits pending in the United States and believes that a favorable decision from the Supreme Court could help stem the tide of litigation. The company has already paid out more than $10 billion to settle claims related to Roundup.
Despite Anderson’s goal of resolving the legal issues by 2026, the ongoing crisis continues to impact Bayer’s financial stability. In March, the company’s share price plummeted by over 10% following the announcement that it may need to raise billions of euros to cover its legal liabilities.
As Bayer navigates through this legal quagmire, the outcome of its appeal to the US Supreme Court could have far-reaching implications for the future of Roundup and the company as a whole.
