How Much Glyphosate Is Allowed in Food?

Glyphosate Lawsuit Overview

Glyphosate lawsuits are filed against Monsanto (now owned by Bayer) alleging that their popular herbicide Roundup causes non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and other serious health issues.

Thousands of individuals have reported developing cancer after regular use of the product.

In 2015, the World Health Organization classified glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic to humans,” fueling concerns and subsequent product liability lawsuits nationwide.

Latest Glyphosate Lawsuit Updates

• March 15, 2025 – Bayer announced a $10.9 billion settlement to resolve approximately 100,000 Roundup lawsuits. The settlement includes $9.6 billion to resolve current litigation and $1.25 billion to address potential future cases.
• January 22, 2025 – The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear Bayer’s appeal of a $25 million verdict in favor of a California man who claimed Roundup caused his non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, upholding the lower court’s decision.
• October 5, 2024 – A California jury awarded $86.7 million to a plaintiff who developed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma after using Roundup for over 30 years, finding that Monsanto failed to warn about cancer risks.
• July 9, 2024 – EPA released its latest assessment of glyphosate, maintaining that there is “no evidence that glyphosate causes cancer in humans.” However, this position contradicts findings from the International Agency for Research on Cancer and several peer-reviewed studies.

FDA Reports and Statistics

According to the FDA’s MAUDE database, there have been over 43,000 adverse events related to glyphosate exposure reported. These reports include:

• 68% linked to various forms of cancer, primarily non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
• 16% related to respiratory issues
• 12% concerning skin conditions and irritation
• 4% involving other serious health complications

The FDA implemented a specific method to test glyphosate residue in 2016, finding that residue levels in many common foods exceed 0.5 to 5.0 parts per million, the limit established by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Related Article: Glyphosate Lawsuit Update

Glyphosate Injuries & Side Effects

Exposure to glyphosate has been linked to numerous serious health conditions, with cancer being the primary concern in ongoing litigation.

• Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: Most commonly associated with glyphosate exposure and the primary basis for lawsuits.
• Skin Irritation: Direct contact can cause dermatitis, rashes, and chemical burns.
• Respiratory Issues: Inhalation may lead to breathing difficulties, lung irritation, and pneumonitis.
• Eye Damage: Exposure can cause conjunctivitis, corneal damage, and other eye injuries.
• Reproductive Harm: Studies suggest potential links to fertility issues and birth defects.
• Kidney and Liver Damage: Long-term exposure may contribute to organ dysfunction.

Do You Qualify for a Glyphosate Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a glyphosate lawsuit if:

• You used Roundup or other glyphosate-containing products regularly between 1985 and the present
• You subsequently developed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma or other qualifying health conditions
• Your diagnosis occurred within a reasonable timeframe after exposure
• You can provide medical documentation linking your injuries to glyphosate exposure
• You have evidence of product use (receipts, testimony, photographs)

Evidence Required for a Glyphosate Lawsuit

To build a strong case, you will need to provide:

1. Proof of exposure: Documentation showing you purchased or used glyphosate products, including receipts, photographs, or witness testimony
2. Medical records: Comprehensive medical documentation of your diagnosis and treatment
3. Expert testimony: Scientific evidence linking your specific condition to glyphosate exposure
4. Usage history: Evidence demonstrating frequency, duration, and methods of product use

Damages You Can Recover

A successful glyphosate lawsuit may provide compensation for:

• Medical expenses: Past, current, and future treatment costs
• Lost wages: Compensation for work missed and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress
• Punitive damages: Additional compensation designed to punish manufacturer negligence

Glyphosate Recall Information

There has been no official recall of glyphosate or Roundup products to date.

However, following the lawsuits and public concern, Bayer announced in 2021 that it would remove glyphosate-based products from the U.S. residential market by 2023, replacing them with alternative active ingredients for home garden use.

Professional and agricultural formulations containing glyphosate remain available.

Statute of Limitations for Glyphosate Lawsuits

The statute of limitations for filing a glyphosate lawsuit varies by state but typically ranges from 1-6 years from the date of diagnosis or discovery that glyphosate may have caused your condition. Some states apply:

• 2 years: California, Texas, Ohio, Georgia
• 3 years: New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts
• 4 years: Florida
• 6 years: Maine, North Dakota

These timeframes may be extended under “discovery rule” provisions in cases where the connection between glyphosate and illness wasn’t immediately apparent.

Related Articles:

• Foods That Are High in Glyphosate
• Which Cereal Has Glyphosate in It?
• How Does Glyphosate Cause Lymphoma?

See all related toxic tort lawsuits our lawyers covered so far.

FAQs

1. How Do I Start a Glyphosate Lawsuit?

The process begins with a free consultation with an experienced product liability lawyer. They will evaluate your case, gather medical records and evidence of exposure, and determine if you qualify. If you have a viable claim, they will file a complaint in the appropriate court, initiating the legal process that may lead to settlement negotiations or trial.

2. What Is the Average Settlement for Glyphosate Cases?

The average individual settlement ranges from $5,000 to $250,000, depending on the severity of illness, extent of exposure, and strength of evidence. As of 2023, Bayer paid out a global settlement with thousands of plaintiffs and paid over $10 billion in compensation to settle cancer-related lawsuits and lawsuits for other adverse health effects.

3. How Do I Prove My Cancer Was Caused by Glyphosate?

Proving causation requires three key elements: evidence of significant exposure to glyphosate, medical diagnosis of qualifying conditions like non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and expert testimony establishing the scientific link between your exposure and your illness. Your attorney will work with medical experts to develop this crucial aspect of your case.

4. Can I Join a Class Action Lawsuit Against Roundup?

While there is no single class action for all Roundup cases, many lawsuits have been consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL). Your attorney can determine whether joining the MDL or pursuing an individual case is best for your situation, based on your specific circumstances and the current status of ongoing litigation.

5. Is Glyphosate Still Used in Food Production?

Yes, glyphosate remains one of the most widely used herbicides in U.S. agriculture. It is applied to approximately 80% of food crops, with residues found in produce, grains, processed foods, and even some organic products due to cross-contamination. The EPA continues to maintain that these residue levels are safe for consumption.

6. Can Glyphosate Exposure Be Reduced by Washing Produce?

Washing and scrubbing fresh produce can reduce surface residue of glyphosate by 70-80%, but cannot eliminate it completely as the chemical can be absorbed into plant tissues. Peeling fruits and vegetables provides additional protection, though internal contamination may still be present in some foods.

7. Which Foods Contain the Highest Levels of Glyphosate?

Foods with the highest glyphosate concentrations include almonds, carrots, cherries, soy, vegetable oil, corn, corn oil, canola oil, beans, and sweet potatoes. These products often come from crops where glyphosate is heavily used as a pre-harvest desiccant or from genetically modified plants designed to withstand glyphosate application.

8. How Long Has Glyphosate Been Linked to Cancer?

Scientific concerns about glyphosate’s carcinogenic potential emerged in the early 2000s, but gained significant attention in 2015 when the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified it as “probably carcinogenic to humans.” A 2019 study specifically determined that high exposure to glyphosate increased the risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma by 41%.

Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims

Time is limited to pursue legal action. Depending on your state, you may have as little as one year from your diagnosis to file a claim. Don’t wait until it’s too late to seek the compensation you deserve.

Schmidt & Clark offers:

• Free, confidential consultations
• No upfront costs or fees
• Payment only if we win your case

Our legal team has successfully represented thousands of clients in product liability lawsuits nationwide in all 50 states. If you’ve experienced serious health issues following exposure to glyphosate residues through food, contact us immediately for a free consultation.

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