To honor April 7th as World Health Day, Dr. Oz covered the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recent classification of the herbicide glyphosate as a possible carcinogen. As his record shows in the past, Dr. Oz is known to flip-flop and ride the fence of hot button health tops. Often times he ends up on the wrong side of right, yet for this episode, Dr. Oz gave the public a fair and accurate portrayal of Monsanto’s flagship carcinogenic product, glyphosate.
Appearing live with Dr. Oz was pediatrician Dr. Alan Greene, Scott Faber of the Environmental Working Group (EWG), and food advocate Robyn O’Brien. Early in the episode, Dr. Oz stated for the record:
“My goal is to always have an open and honest conversation, you all know that, but I couldn’t get anyone to appear on the show that supports glyphosate. I reached out to the Grocery Manufacturers of America, Crop Life America, and Monsanto and they all declined to be on the show.”
During the course of the conversation, all three guests, along with Dr. Oz, sided with the WHO’s carcinogenic classification of glyphosate, discouraged its use, and warned of its numerous health effects. Refuting Monsanto’s official talking point that “Glyphosate does not pose a risk to humans, wildlife, or the environment,” Dr. Green stated “That’s just not true.” He then backed up his statement with verifiable studies that directly and completely contradicted Monsanto’s talking point.
In light of the new WHO classification, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been forced to “reassess glyphosate.” Giving an environmental perspective, EWG’s vice president Scott Faber stated:
“The EPA should take another look at it (glyphosate), but let’s not forget, the EPA got this wrong. For 20 years we’ve been told that this herbicide is a better alternative…and it turns out the world’s leading experts (WHO) now have found this is probably a human carcinogen.”
Representing mothers, families, and communities, food industry analyst turned food activist Robyn O’Brien said:
“If you step back and think about this big chemical company (Monsanto), this is one of their most profitable products, so of course they’re going to try to dismiss any concern around it and refute the science.”
Finally, Dr. Oz sounded off on the side of his guests, and arguable most of the educated world, by saying for the record:
“This is a big debate everyone. Folks who make these products say ‘we need more data before you can make that statement (glyphosate is a possible carcinogen).’ I think it’s the opposite. Not enough research doesn’t mean it’s safe, it means we actually don’t know! And it’s upon us; it’s our obligation to figure it out before we start releasing it and exposing kids and others.”
Regardless of where the conversation ends up, having Dr. Oz cover this topic was a sign that the mainstream is being forced to report on what matters in their struggle to remain relevant. Having Dr. Oz publicly side with families and communities around the world in rejecting glyphosate was the cherry on top.
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