Breaking News: Bayer Scores Legal Victory in Roundup Cancer Lawsuit Battle
By Jonathan Stempel
In a major win for Bayer (OTC:), a U.S. appeals court has ruled in favor of the German company in its battle to limit liability from claims that its Roundup weed killer causes cancer. The court stated that federal law shields Bayer from a lawsuit by a Pennsylvania landscaper, rejecting the plaintiff's claim that Monsanto (NYSE:), a unit of Bayer, violated state law by failing to include a cancer warning on the Roundup label.
The plaintiff, David Schaffner, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma in 2006, a common claim among Roundup plaintiffs. He and his wife sued Bayer in 2019 over the impact of his illness on their relationship.
The court's decision highlights the need for nationwide uniformity in pesticide labels, as mandated by the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act. This ruling may have implications for other similar cases and could potentially reduce Bayer's liabilities.
Despite facing extensive litigation over Roundup, Bayer maintains that the product and its active ingredient glyphosate are safe. The company's share price has plummeted since acquiring Monsanto in 2018, but it settled a significant portion of the Roundup litigation in 2020.
While Bayer has won the majority of Roundup trials, the losses have resulted in substantial damages awards. The Schaffners settled with Bayer in 2022, contingent on the court's ruling on federal law preemption of state requirements for a cancer warning.
With the court ruling in Bayer's favor, the company can continue to defend its position on Roundup's safety. The case underscores the importance of federal laws in regulating pesticide labels and ensuring uniformity across states.
Roundup, one of the most widely used weed killers in the U.S., has faced scrutiny over its alleged link to cancer. Bayer phased out sales for home use last year.
Overall, this legal victory for Bayer could have significant implications for the company's future liabilities and its stance on Roundup's safety. Investors and consumers should closely monitor developments in this ongoing legal battle.