There is insufficient evidence to prove the controversial weedkiller Roundup causes cancer, the [Australian] Federal Court has ruled.

Roundup’s parent companies Monsanto and Bayer were taken to court in a major class action, with hundreds of Australians claiming their exposure to the product’s active ingredient, glyphosate, caused non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

After hearing evidence in a lengthy trial, Justice Michael Lee said on the balance of probabilities, the plaintiffs failed to prove that the products caused cancer.

Justice Lee acknowledged there were mixed views in the scientific community about the risks of Roundup, and said further research could provide a more definitive answer.

The judge said none of the scientific studies presented at the trial led him to conclude there was “clear and compelling” evidence that glyphosate caused cancer in mammals.

The lawsuit against Monsanto and Bayer has now been dismissed.

The [Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA)] said it noted Justice Lee’s decision and would continue to monitor the science around glyphosate.

The regulator said it would take “appropriate action” if new evidence showed the chemical posed a risk to the community, industries or environment.

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