Why is Roundup Still Being Sold?

Despite decades of controversy and mounting scientific evidence about its potential health and environmental risks, Roundup — the popular herbicide containing glyphosate and other toxic chemicals – remains on shelves worldwide. But why is this toxic weedkiller still being sold?

Roundup has been sprayed on lawns and used in agriculture since 1974. But the dangers of Roundup are significant. Farmers, landscapers, and home gardeners have files claims against the company that makes it, Bayer-Monsanto, stating that exposure to one of the main ingredients, glyphosate, caused them to develop non-Hodgkins lymphoma and other cancers.  

What is Roundup? 

Roundup was developed in 1974 by Monsanto. In 1996, Monsanto began to sell genetically modified soybean seeds to farmers and soon after began selling GMO corn. These Roundup Ready® GMO crops were designed to be tolerant to the effects of Roundup, meaning that farmers could treat their entire fields with the chemical without the risk of losing their crops to the chemical mixture. It made the use of Roundup a logical decision for farmers because it simplified dealing with weeds. In the decades that followed, glyphosate became the most widely used agricultural chemical in the world.  

In July 2018, Bayer acquired Monsanto Company for $63 billion, thus acquiring Roundup and its entire product line along with it.

Roundup active ingredient 

For decades, glyphosate was the primary active ingredient in the Roundup products utilized by farmers, farmworkers, gardeners, groundskeepers, and landscapers to kill weeds in farm fields and lawns. Monsanto — and now Bayer — have long marketed glyphosate as safe for humans and animals, but research pointed to its carcinogenic potential as early as the 1980s. Studies and assessments have led to the truth: glyphosate is toxic. In response to mounting lawsuits and public scrutiny, Bayer phased glyphosate out of home and garden Roundup starting in 2023. But this didn’t make it safer: Bayer chose to replace glyphosate with a mixture of chemicals that are even more toxic to humans and the environment. Meanwhile, cancer-linked glyphosate is still the active ingredient in agricultural Roundup, and still the most widely used pesticide in the world.  

Regulatory loopholes and government approvals 

Roundup continues to be sold largely because of regulatory approvals: 

• In the United States, the EPA has repeatedly re-approved glyphosate, citing studies it considers safe. But some of these studies are questionable; in court proceedings, it was revealed that one core study was even ghostwritten by employees at Monsanto. 
• International agencies have sometimes reached different conclusions, leading to confusion and loopholes. 
• Delays in updating safety regulations allow old approvals to persist, letting companies continue marketing the product legally. 

Corporate influence and marketing 

Monsanto, now owned by Bayer, wields significant influence through: 

• Lobbying efforts to maintain glyphosate approval 
• Marketing campaigns promoting Roundup as safe and effective 
• Creating brand variants (e.g., Roundup Ready, glyphosate-based store brands) that keep the product familiar to consumers 

Even after billions in lawsuit settlements, Bayer continues to sell glyphosate products and Roundup products containing other toxic chemicals worldwide, profiting while health concerns persist. 

Health and environmental risks 

Scientific studies and court rulings raise serious concerns: 

• Carcinogenic potential: The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies glyphosate as a probable human carcinogen. 
• Environmental contamination: Glyphosate can contaminate soil and water, harming plants, aquatic life, and pollinators. Roundup destroys gut bacteria that keeps bees healthy and is formulated with ingredients that can cause bees to suffocate on contact. It is also a key driver in the disappearance of monarch butterflies. 
• Non-target species impact: Beyond weeds, Roundup can damage biodiversity and disrupt ecosystems. 

Legal battles vs public awareness 

• Thousands of lawsuits have found Bayer liable, awarding billions to plaintiffs claiming cancer from Roundup exposure. 
• Yet Roundup remains widely available, sometimes under different labels, making it hard for consumers to recognize the risk. 

Why Roundup sales persist 

• Regulatory gaps: Outdated approvals and slow review processes 
• Corporate lobbying and influence over policymakers 
• Branding and marketing keeping the product in consumer hands 
• Limited public awareness about glyphosate risks 

Roundup alternatives 

If you’re looking for an alternative to Roundup to use on your lawn, the best approach is through organic means. There are options that can help you eliminate weeds without having to use dangerous chemicals. Here are a few to consider: 

• Look for OMRI approved when you shop for herbicides 
• Use safe substances like lemon juice, vinegar, and essential oils. 
• Vinegar: Horticultural or industrial vinegar has a high acetic acid content that is powerful enough to remove weeds without the risks that come with toxic chemicals like glyphosate. 
• Essential oils: Citronella, pine, peppermint, and other essential oils can help control weeds, but use these with caution as some essential oils are toxic to dogs and cats. 

What you can do 

Friends of the Earth advocates for bans on toxic pesticides like the active ingredients in Roundup and urges consumers to: 

• Avoid glyphosate-based products in gardens and lawns 
• Support state and local bans on toxic herbicides 
• Pressure retailers to stop selling harmful pesticides 
• Spread awareness about glyphosate risks and alternatives 

The fight isn’t just about Roundup — it’s about holding corporations accountable and protecting public health and the environment.