The Headlines Sound Hopeful… But Are They?
Lately, there have been whispers—rumours that Bayer may be preparing to discontinue its flagship product, Roundup. With lawsuits piling up and public trust eroding, some reports suggest the company might walk away from the Roundup brand altogether.
But let’s not rush to call this a win. Because even if the name disappears, the chemical doesn’t.
Legal Pressure or Public Health Pivot?
After billions in settlements and tens of thousands of unresolved claims, Bayer is clearly feeling the heat. But phasing out Roundup doesn’t necessarily mean glyphosate is being phased out. It may simply mean the company is retreating from a brand that’s become too hot to handle—not the chemical behind it.
This isn’t the end of glyphosate. It’s a reshuffling of the deck.
And it’s worth asking: Is this about consumer safety—or shareholder strategy?
The Molecule Stays
Roundup is just one of many glyphosate-based herbicides. Dozens of other products using the same active ingredient—glyphosate—are still approved for use in New Zealand.
Different labels. Same risks.
Pulling Roundup off shelves may reduce Bayer’s legal exposure, but it won’t reduce yours. Glyphosate remains in the food chain, in the soil, in the waterways—and in us.
Meanwhile, Backroom Lobbying Intensifies
As murmurs of a Roundup retreat circulate, there are simultaneous efforts to tighten legal protections for pesticide manufacturers. In the U.S., there’s been a push to prevent states from requiring additional safety warnings beyond what federal regulators approve.
If successful, that would shield companies from liability—even if new evidence emerges, even if public health consequences grow.
It’s not just about stopping lawsuits. It’s about stopping accountability.
And Here in New Zealand? We’re Raising the Limits
While the rest of the world watches Bayer squirm, our own regulators are doing the opposite of backing away. Here in New Zealand, there’s a proposal to increase glyphosate residue limits on more than 20 food crops.
And they’re doing this without recent local residue testing. Without independent reviews. Without meaningful public consultation.
We’re moving in the wrong direction—and fast.
This Isn’t a Victory—It’s a Distraction
It’s tempting to think Bayer’s possible Roundup exit is a turning point. But if anything, it’s a warning sign. This could be a calculated retreat, designed to ease public pressure while keeping the chemical ecosystem intact.
If we declare victory now, we risk walking away from a battle that’s far from over.
A Vanishing Brand Doesn’t Mean a Safer Future
They may be changing the label. They may be pivoting the brand. But if glyphosate remains in our crops, our environment, and our bodies—then nothing’s really changed.
This isn’t over. It’s just going underground.
Related articles on nomoreglyphosate.nz
What If Bayer Collapses? The Fallout for Glyphosate and NZ
Explores the legal and financial pressure on Bayer, and what a potential collapse could mean for glyphosate use in New Zealand and beyond.
Why Raising MRLs Threatens Public Health
Breaks down the risks behind MPI’s proposal to increase glyphosate residue limits on food crops—and why it’s more about convenience than safety.
Why Glyphosate Isn’t Just a Weed Killer
Challenges the idea that glyphosate is harmless by highlighting its far-reaching effects on soil health, gut function, and chronic disease.
MPI’s Missing Data: Why We Can’t Trust the Glyphosate Reassurance
Investigates the lack of recent residue testing in New Zealand and questions the Ministry’s claims that our food supply remains safe.
Resources & References:
Before You Go Down the Rabbit Hole…
When companies shift tactics and headlines soften, it’s easy to lose sight of the facts. But behind every whispered rumour and quiet rebrand is a paper trail. The following resources help connect the dots—between courtrooms, chemical residues, and policy decisions that rarely make the evening news.
Because critical thinking doesn’t stop at the headline.
International Legal and Regulatory Developments
Monsanto Roundup Lawsuit | May 2025 Update
An overview of the ongoing litigation against Bayer, detailing settlements and the number of pending cases related to Roundup.
lawsuit-information-center.com
Bayer seeks Roundup settlement, explores Monsanto bankruptcy
Reports on Bayer’s consideration of settling lawsuits and the potential bankruptcy of its Monsanto unit amid legal pressures.
reuters.com
Bayer renews bid for US Supreme Court to curb glyphosate cases
Details Bayer’s efforts to limit legal claims by arguing federal law should preempt state-level lawsuits concerning glyphosate.
reuters.com
New Zealand-Specific Glyphosate Issues
Why a proposed change to glyphosate (or Roundup) residue levels is so controversial
Analyzes the debate over New Zealand’s proposal to increase allowable glyphosate residue levels in food products.
The Spinoff
Thousands submit on proposed increase in glyphosate weedkiller allowed on some crops
Reports on public submissions and concerns regarding the proposed increase in glyphosate residue limits in New Zealand.
rnz.co.nz
Soil & Health submission on the proposal to increase glyphosate maximum residue levels
Presents the Soil & Health Association’s stance against raising glyphosate residue limits, citing potential risks and policy implications.
soilandhealth.org.nz
Official Regulatory Positions
Glyphosate in food | NZ Government
Outlines New Zealand’s Environmental Protection Authority’s stance on glyphosate use and its assessment of associated risks.
Ministry of Primary Industries – Glyphosate in Food
Managing the Roundup™ Litigation – Bayer Global
Details Bayer’s strategies for handling ongoing litigation related to Roundup and its efforts to mitigate associated risks.
Bayer.com
Still Trust the System to Regulate Itself?
If the past few decades have taught us anything, it’s this: regulatory approval doesn’t always mean public safety. These resources are a reminder that we must keep asking questions—even when the answers are inconvenient.
Assume nothing. Question everything.
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