Bayer Loses Third Appeal Against U.S. Court Verdicts

Bayer Loses Third Appeal Against U.S. Court Verdicts

Introduction

Bayer, the manufacturer of Roundup, has lost a third appeal against the U.S. court verdicts over the case of glyphosate weedkiller. The court has awarded damages to customers diagnosed with cancer due to pesticides containing glyphosates.  

On Aug 9, 2021, a California court supported the $86 million verdict where Bayer was accused of a couple's cancer. In February 2020, Bayer filed an appeal stating that sound science does not reconcile the verdict.

After the verdict, Bayer made the statement that it respectfully disagrees with the court’s ruling, which is not supported by evidence at trial. Bayer also stated that the company is taking all measures to make Roundup safe for its users.

The German corporate giant has also confirmed to file a petition with the U.S. Supreme Court this month for reviewing a similar Roundup case that went in favor of the user.

In the previous month, Bayer announced a $4.5 billion additional litigation provision to prepare for an unfavorable ruling by the Supreme Court. The herbicide manufacturer has also kept aside $11.6 billion for settlements and litigation in the matter.

Bayer stated it has a clear intention to continue selling its product in the U.S. market. To contain legal damage, the weedkiller manufacturer has also planned to replace the cancer-causing ingredient glyphosate with other active ingredients.