Georgia has enacted a law that protects pesticide manufacturers, specifically Bayer, from lawsuits related to the weed killer Roundup, which has been linked to cancer claims. Signed by Governor Brian Kemp, this legislation offers legal safeguards for those adhering to federal labeling standards. Georgia is the second state to pass such a law, following North Dakota, as more states consider similar measures amidst Bayer facing over 181,000 lawsuits concerning Roundup’s ingredient, glyphosate.
Despite concerns about glyphosate’s cancer risks, the EPA asserts it is not carcinogenic if used properly. Bayer maintains the ingredient is safe, having settled a substantial lawsuit while continuing to use glyphosate in agricultural products.
The new law will take effect on January 1 and will not impact existing lawsuits, including a recent ruling requiring Bayer to pay $2.1 billion to a man who claims Roundup caused his cancer. This legislation comes after feedback from the agricultural community, and Bayer is actively promoting the significance of glyphosate through various media and legislative efforts, highlighting its role in modern farming efficiency.
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