Why Is Roundup Still Being Sold?

Why is Roundup still being sold? Roundup, the world’s most widely used herbicide, has been at the center of heated debates due to its active ingredient, glyphosate, and its potential links to cancer and environmental harm. Despite these concerns, Roundup remains available in stores across the United States in 2025.

Why Roundup Remains Legal

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plays a pivotal role in determining whether Roundup can be sold. Despite conflicting global opinions, the EPA has consistently maintained that glyphosate, Roundup’s primary ingredient, is “not likely to be carcinogenic to humans” when used according to label instructions. This stance, reaffirmed in February 2020, contrasts with the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which classified glyphosate as a “probable human carcinogen” in 2015 based on animal studies and human exposure data.

A 2022 U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit decision required the EPA to reassess glyphosate’s environmental impacts but did not mandate a human health review, allowing Roundup to remain on the market. The EPA plans to reevaluate glyphosate regulations in 2026, but as of July 2025, no federal ban exists. Meanwhile, some states and municipalities, such as New York, California, and Boulder, Colorado, have restricted or banned glyphosate use on public property, but these restrictions don’t apply to private or agricultural use.

Globally, the picture varies. Countries like Germany, France, and Vietnam have imposed partial or full bans on glyphosate, while the European Union has restricted its use. However, the U.S. lags behind, with the EPA citing extensive studies (15 carcinogenicity studies compared to IARC’s 8) to support its safety claims. Critics argue that the EPA relies on industry-funded studies, raising questions about bias.

Roundup Lawsuits and Bayer’s Response

Bayer, which acquired Monsanto (Roundup’s original manufacturer) in 2018, faces over 125,000 lawsuits claiming that Roundup caused non-Hodgkin lymphoma and other cancers. High-profile cases, like Dewayne Johnson’s $289 million verdict in 2018 (later reduced) and Edwin Hardeman’s ongoing litigation, have spotlighted glyphosate’s risks. Bayer settled approximately 100,000 claims for $10.9 billion in 2020, but thousands of cases remain pending, with recent verdicts awarding millions to plaintiffs.

In response, Bayer announced in 2021 that it would phase out glyphosate-based Roundup for residential use by 2023 to mitigate litigation risks, not due to safety concerns. However, as of October 2023, glyphosate-based products remain widely available at retailers like Home Depot, Walmart, and Amazon. This delay may stem from regulatory approval timelines for new formulations or continued consumer demand.

Bayer has also lobbied for legislation to shield itself from lawsuits. In 2025, North Dakota became the first state to pass a law protecting pesticide manufacturers from “failure-to-warn” claims if their labels comply with EPA standards. Similar bills are under consideration in states like Georgia, Florida, and Iowa, but many have failed, indicating mixed legislative support.

New Formulations: A More Toxic Alternative?

In 2023, Bayer began introducing new Roundup formulations for residential use, replacing glyphosate with chemicals like diquat dibromide, fluazifop-P-butyl, triclopyr, and imazapic. A 2024 Friends of the Earth (FOE) analysis found that these formulations are, on average, 45 times more toxic to human health than glyphosate, with diquat dibromide, banned in the EU, being 200 times more toxic. These chemicals are linked to kidney and liver damage, reproductive issues, and environmental harm to bees, birds, and aquatic life.

Friends of the Earth (FOE) criticized Bayer for failing to warn consumers about the risks of new Roundup formulations and for retaining the same Roundup branding, which may mislead users into assuming the products are safer than they are. The EPA’s lack of requirement for ingredient-specific safety warnings worsens this issue, as consumers may not realize the new formulations are more hazardous. These products lack clear labeling to highlight their increased risks.

Market Dynamics: Why Roundup Persists

Despite health and environmental concerns, Roundup’s popularity drives its continued sale. Glyphosate is effective, affordable, and widely used in agriculture, particularly for glyphosate-resistant crops like corn and soybeans. In 2016, U.S. farmers used 287 million pounds of glyphosate, and its use is projected to grow by 6% annually through the mid-2020s. The lack of a federal ban, combined with strong agricultural demand, keeps Roundup on shelves.

Consumers also contribute to its persistence. Roundup’s ease of use and effectiveness make it a go-to choice for homeowners. However, growing awareness of safer alternatives, like organic herbicides, is shifting some demand.

Health and Environmental Concerns

The IARC’s 2015 classification of glyphosate as a probable carcinogen has fueled public concern. Studies link long-term glyphosate exposure to non-Hodgkin lymphoma, liver damage, and neurological issues. A 2024 Arizona State University study found that even short-term glyphosate exposure causes brain inflammation in mice, raising concerns about neurodegenerative diseases.

Environmentally, glyphosate harms pollinators like monarch butterflies by killing milkweed, their primary food source, and contaminates water and soil. New Roundup formulations pose even greater risks to aquatic life and ecosystems.

Safer Alternatives to Roundup

Consumers seeking safer weed control options have several alternatives:

Organic Herbicides: Products using acetic acid (horticultural vinegar), citric acid, or essential oils are OMRI-approved and less toxic.
Manual Weed Removal: Pulling weeds by hand or using tools prevents chemical exposure.
Mulching: A 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch blocks sunlight, preventing weed growth.
Biopesticides: Natural substances like corn gluten meal inhibit weed seed germination.
Integrated Weed Management: Combining methods like mulching, flaming, and organic herbicides ensures long-term control.

Timeline of Roundup’s History

1974: Glyphosate introduced by Monsanto.
1996: Roundup Ready crops launched, boosting glyphosate use.
2015: IARC classifies glyphosate as a probable carcinogen.
2018: Bayer acquires Monsanto; lawsuits escalate.
2020: Bayer settles ~100,000 lawsuits for $10.9 billion.
2021: Bayer announces phase-out of glyphosate-based Roundup for residential use by 2023.
2023-2024: New, more toxic formulations introduced; glyphosate products remain available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Roundup safe to use?
The EPA claims glyphosate is safe when used as directed, but the IARC and numerous studies link it to cancer and other health issues. New formulations may pose even greater risks. Consult a professional before using.

Why hasn’t Roundup been banned in the U.S.?
The EPA’s safety classification and strong agricultural demand prevent a federal ban, though some states and municipalities have restricted its use.

What are the safest Roundup alternatives?
Organic herbicides, manual weed removal, mulching, and biopesticides are safer options. Look for OMRI-approved products for organic compliance.

Have Roundup lawsuits been successful?
Yes, plaintiffs have won significant verdicts, including $2.1 billion in Georgia and $78 million in Philadelphia, though some awards were reduced on appeal.

Contact a Legal Professional

If you believe Roundup exposure has caused health issues like non-Hodgkin lymphoma, you may be eligible for compensation. Contact Clinton O. Middleton, Attorney at Law, at (703) 777-9630 or fill out our online form for a free case review.

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