The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is advancing a proposal that would prevent states from requiring warning labels on pesticides and herbicides, including glyphosate, a widely used chemical linked to cancer in some studies.
Freddy Brewster reports for The Lever.
In short:
- Trump’s EPA is considering a rule that would prohibit states from mandating warning labels on agricultural chemicals, declaring that any warnings beyond federal guidance would be considered “misbranding.”
- The initiative, backed by Republican state attorneys general, could override California’s strict labeling laws and limit public awareness of potential health risks tied to pesticides like glyphosate.
- The move comes as Robert F. Kennedy Jr., head of Health and Human Services, has previously advocated against pesticide use but is now part of the Trump’s administration, creating uncertainty about his stance.
Key quote:
“There’s no reason for using glyphosate or any of these other toxic chemicals, the only reason why it’s being done is because it’s convenient and it’s profitable for the chemical companies.”
— Zen Honeycutt, Moms Across America and former consultant for RFK Jr.'s presidential campaign
Why this matters:
Blocking state warning labels could leave consumers in the dark about potential chemical exposure in food and agriculture, despite ongoing research linking some pesticides to chronic illnesses. The big target? Glyphosate, the controversial weed-killer at the heart of billion-dollar lawsuits over cancer risks. The result could be a policy that puts corporate convenience over public health, with consumers left to guess what’s in their food.
Read more: Glyphosate, explained
