Agrochemical giant Bayer has reached a $7.25 billion settlement to resolve approximately 65,000 lawsuits in the U.S. related to its herbicide Roundup. Plaintiffs allege that Bayer failed to warn users that glyphosate, the active ingredient, causes cancer, leading many to develop non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and other cancers.
Under the settlement, Bayer will contribute up to $7.25 billion annually into a special fund for up to 21 years, with individual payouts varying based on usage and diagnosis factors. Importantly, Bayer does not admit liability as part of the agreement.
Bayer, which acquired Roundup through its $63 billion purchase of Monsanto in 2018, had previously settled many lawsuits but was unable to address ongoing litigation until now. The settlement aims to cover not only the current lawsuits but also potential future claims from individuals exposed to Roundup.
Additionally, the settlement follows a Supreme Court decision to hear an appeal that could affect Bayer’s liability. The company contends it cannot add cancer warnings to its products because they are not required by federal law. A favorable ruling for Bayer could limit current lawsuits and impact future claims. The settlement still needs approval from the St. Louis Circuit Court.
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