A jury in California reached a unanimous verdict Tuesday that the herbicide Roundup was a significant factor in causing non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma to develop in a second person. Another jury reached that conclusion last year and awarded the plaintiff $289 million.

The verdict this week is the first phase of the trial in the case of 70-year Edwin Hardeman. The trial will now proceed to the damages phase.

Bayer, which acquired Roundup when it bought Monsanto last year, stands by the safety of the glyphosate-based herbicide.
A statement from the company says, “We are disappointed with the jury’s initial decision, but we continue to believe firmly that the science confirms that glyphosate-based herbicides do not cause cancer. We are confident the evidence in phase two will show that Monsanto’s conduct has been appropriate and that the company should not be liable for Mr. Hardeman’s cancer. Regardless of the outcome, however, the decision in phase one of this trial has no impact on future cases and trials because each one has its own factual and legal circumstances. We have great sympathy for Mr. Hardeman and his family, but an extensive body of science supports the conclusion that Roundup™ was not the cause of his cancer. Bayer stands behind these products and will vigorously defend them.”