Monsanto Found Guilty of Poisoning in Pesticide Case (VIDEO)

Historic ruling by French court will likely expose Monsanto to similar scrutiny.

(LYON, France) - A court in the French city of Lyon has ruled US pesticides maker Monsanto was responsible for the poisoning of a farmer who had used one of their products on his crops.

Paul Francois says he suffered neurological problems including memory loss, headaches and stammering after inhaling Monsanto's Lasso weedkiller in 2004.

The farmer claimed the company was at fault for not providing adequate warnings on the product label.

His lawyer, Stephane Teyssier, described the ruling as "historic". "The tribunal has ordered an expert opinion, so we will see what comes of that in relation to compensation."

Monsanto's lawyer, Jean-Phillipe Delsart, says the company is considering an appeal. The case could have implications for similar cases, EuroNews reports.

Monsanto is known worldwide for its role in the Agent Orange debacle from Vietnam that continues to plague human beings today in Vietnam, the US, Australia, and many other locations.

First published on Feb 13, 2012 by EuroNews