Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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358. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the views of the HSE regarding concerns which have been expressed regarding glyphosate (details supplied) entering the food chain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47691/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The European Commission extended the approval of glyphosate for a limited interim period in June 2016 to allow for the completion of an assessment by the Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). The extension followed a comprehensive review by the European Food Safety Authority. This review, which included detailed consideration of a report produced by the International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organisation, concluded that glyphosate is unlikely to pose a carcinogenic hazard to humans and can be used safely without putting consumers or users at risk.

The RAC concluded in March 2017, in an opinion adopted with the full support of all members, that glyphosate does not warrant classification as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction. A final decision on renewing the approval of glyphosate is due to be taken by 15 December 2017.

Based on the conclusions of the risk and hazard assessments conducted by the European Food Safety Authority and the European Chemicals Agency the Commission has prepared draft proposals for renewal of the approval of glyphosate. These proposals have been discussed by Member State representatives at technical experts standing committee meetings but there has not been qualified majority support at these meetings for the draft renewal proposals that have been presented by the Commission.

All plant protection product uses (including glyphosate) are monitored via my Department’s annual pesticide residue monitoring programme. The programme enforces EU legislation establishing the maximum permitted concentration of pesticide residues in food, or Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs), and aims to ensure that consumers are not exposed to unacceptable risks from pesticide residues and is agreed with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland and the European Commission. The programme involves the sampling of produce at distribution centres, retailers, and other storage and processing premises, and also includes processed food samples.  These samples are analysed for up to 400 pesticides including glyphosate. Glyphosate has not been detected in these samples at levels in excess of the Maximum Residue Level allowed.