HHS Joined Federal Glyphosate Safety Review
The Department of Health and Human Services will now provide expertise to the EPA as it evaluates the herbicide's cancer risk.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Nutrition
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The Department of Health and Human Services has moved to assist the EPA in its ongoing safety evaluation of glyphosate. This federal assessment aims to determine if the common herbicide poses a risk of carcinogenicity.
Why it matters
Glyphosate remains a primary tool for corn and soybean production, making its safety profile a significant factor in national agricultural security. The federal review seeks to provide scientific clarity on whether the substance is linked to cancer risks for the public.
The EPA is currently conducting a federal evaluation of glyphosate carcinogenicity. While past agency reviews concluded that glyphosate is not likely to cause cancer, the ongoing assessment is not expected to be finalized until early 2027.
The players
Department of Health and Human Services
The federal agency tasked with providing scientific expertise to the EPA regarding potential health impacts of herbicides.
Environmental Protection Agency
The federal agency responsible for evaluating the safety of herbicides and managing national regulatory standards.
Bayer
A multinational pharmaceutical and life sciences company that acquired Monsanto in 2018.
Donald Trump
The current President of the United States who issued an executive order regarding domestic herbicide production.
The details
The EPA is responsible for overseeing the safety of all herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides used across the United States. During this review process, the Department of Health and Human Services contributes scientific expertise to help determine if the chemical is carcinogenic. This follows a June 2026 Supreme Court ruling which held that state failure-to-warn laws regarding glyphosate are preempted by the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act.
Timeline
2018: A California jury awarded a $289 million judgment against Monsanto.
February 2026: President Trump signed an executive order to increase domestic glyphosate production.
June 2026: The Supreme Court issued a 7-2 ruling regarding state court glyphosate claims.
Early 2027: The EPA is expected to conclude its current carcinogenicity evaluation.
Health Landscape
This collaborative review effort aligns with the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act as the primary authority governing herbicide safety in the United States. It represents a pivot toward centralized federal oversight rather than state-level legal challenges.
As federal regulators update their safety findings, consider discussing concerns about agricultural chemical exposure with your primary care physician. Staying informed about EPA safety evaluations can help you navigate ongoing debates regarding food safety and crop management.
The takeaway
The federal government is re-evaluating the safety profile of glyphosate to determine if the substance is carcinogenic. Residents should monitor for the final EPA assessment in 2027 and consult with medical professionals if they have questions about chemical exposure in their environment.
Further reading
Learn more about chemical safety and dietary standards in our Nutrition section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Capital Press.
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Should federal regulators prioritize chemical safety reviews over expanding domestic agricultural production?
