Weedkiller Roundup maker asks US Supreme Court to block lawsuits claiming it failed to warn about cancer

Key Points

  • Bayer has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to decide if federal law preempts state lawsuits over Roundup's cancer warnings.
  • Bayer disputes cancer claims but has set aside $16 billion for settlements, arguing the future of American agriculture is at stake.
  • The Supreme Court previously declined a similar Bayer case in 2022, but conflicting lower court rulings prompt Bayer's new appeal.
  • Bayer is pushing for state legislation to shield against lawsuits, with mixed results in states like Georgia, Tennessee, and Iowa.
  • Bayer stopped using glyphosate in home-use Roundup but continues its use in agricultural products, potentially facing market withdrawal if lawsuits continue.

Summary

Bayer, a global agrochemical company, has approached the U.S. Supreme Court to determine if federal pesticide laws preempt state lawsuits claiming that its weedkiller, Roundup, causes cancer without adequate warnings. This move comes as Bayer faces around 181,000 lawsuits, primarily from residential users, despite having set aside $16 billion for settlements. The company argues that the future of American agriculture hangs in the balance, as it has ceased using glyphosate in home-use products but continues its use in agricultural applications. Bayer's efforts to secure legislative protection against such lawsuits have seen varied success across states, with Georgia passing a bill, while Missouri and Iowa face resistance. The Supreme Court's decision could significantly impact Bayer's legal strategy and the broader implications for product liability and agricultural practices in the U.S.

yahoo
April 7, 2025
Stocks
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