Monsanto Ordered to Pay $2.1B in Roundup Cancer Case

Monsanto Ordered to Pay $2.1B in Roundup Cancer Case

Introduction

A Georgia jury has ordered Bayer, the parent company of Monsanto, to pay nearly $2.1 billion in damages to a man who claimed that exposure to the company's Roundup weed killer caused his cancer.

The verdict, delivered in a Georgia courtroom, includes $65 million in compensatory damages and $2 billion in punitive damages—making it one of the largest awards in a Roundup-related lawsuit to date.

Plaintiff Claims Roundup Caused His Cancer

The plaintiff filed his lawsuit in 2021, stating that regular use of Roundup led to his diagnosis of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. According to his legal team, the verdict will provide him the financial support necessary for ongoing medical treatment. His attorneys called the decision a victory not only for their client but for public awareness regarding the product’s alleged dangers.

Bayer Plans to Appeal Verdict

Bayer, the German pharmaceutical and chemical giant that acquired Monsanto in 2018, has stated it will appeal the verdict. In its statement, the company claimed the decision contradicts “the overwhelming weight of scientific evidence and the consensus of global regulatory agencies.” Bayer continues to assert that Roundup and its active ingredient, glyphosate, are safe when used according to directions.

Roundup’s Controversial Legacy

Roundup is one of the most widely used herbicides in the world and is often paired with genetically modified crops that are resistant to the chemical. While the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has stated glyphosate is unlikely to be carcinogenic when used properly, other studies have linked it to certain cancers, including non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Monsanto has faced more than 177,000 lawsuits over the product and has allocated $16 billion for settlements.

Ongoing Legal and Legislative Battles

Despite numerous legal challenges, Monsanto maintains its position that Roundup is safe and continues to fight cases in court. The company has claimed victory in 17 of its last 25 trials and said overall jury awards have been reduced by about 90% in finalized cases. Meanwhile, Bayer has launched efforts in several states to pass laws shielding pesticide manufacturers from liability if their product labeling complies with EPA standards. Critics argue such legislation would prevent consumers from holding companies accountable for potential health risks.