Bayer will pay more than $10 billion to settle around 125,000 lawsuits filed against the company over its Roundup weed killer. Plaintiffs argued glyphosate in the weed killer caused them to develop cancer.
“The decision to resolve the Roundup litigation enables us to focus fully on the critical supply of healthcare and food,” said Werner Baumann, CEO of Bayer.
“It will also return the conversation about the safety and utility of glyphosate-based herbicides to the scientific and regulatory arena and to the full body of science.”
Three cases that have gone to trial will continue through the appeals process and are not covered by the settlement. The company said customers will see no change in the availability of Roundup products as a result of the settlement decision.
“As a science-based company committed to improving people’s health, we have great sympathy for anyone who suffers from disease, and we understand their search for answers,” Baumann said.
“At the same time, the extensive body of science indicates that Roundup does not cause cancer, and therefore, is not responsible for the illnesses alleged in this litigation.”
