Next week, on October 11, members of the European Parliament will hear from scientists, campaigners, regulators and others about allegations that Monsanto ”unduly influenced regulatory studies” about the safety of glyphosate, the key ingredient in Roundup weedkiller.

The EU Parliament won’t hear from Monsanto. Why? Monsanto lobbyists are now banned from entering the EU Parliament because the company refused to send its CEO to the October 11 Parliament meeting.

Monsanto officials were asked to attend and respond to questions related to incriminating documents that came to light as a result of lawsuits filed against the company by people who say Roundup caused their non-Hodgkin lymphoma cancer—and Monsanto knew of the risk, but hid the evidence. 

The Guardian called the Parliament’s decision a “bitter blow” to Monsanto, which will now “be unable to meet MEPs, attend committee meetings or use digital resources on parliament premises in Brussels or Strasbourg.”

Bitter blow? Or maybe just deserts?

The EU is supposed to decide by December 15 whether to continue to allow the use of glyphosate. (The U.S. EPA, which was supposed to make a similar ruling in 2015, is still stalling). 

France and Italy say they want glyphosate off the market. Germany’s position remains unclear.

Stay tuned for details on next week’s hearing.

Read ‘Monsanto Banned from European Parliament’