Is 2,4-DB Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: 2,4-DB is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (pesticides).
CAS 94-82-6.
Is 2,4-DB banned in the EU?
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | soybeans, alfalfa, peanuts |
| CAS number | 94-82-6 |
What is 2,4-DB?
2,4-DB (CAS 94-82-6) is a herbicide used in industrial agriculture.
Why is 2,4-DB used in food?
It is applied as a selective post-emergence herbicide for legumes and forage crops.
Is 2,4-DB dangerous? Documented risks
Linked to endocrine and reproductive effects; banned for use across the EU.
Common US products containing 2,4-DB
- soybeans
- alfalfa
- peanuts
How to avoid 2,4-DB: safer alternatives
Choose USDA-certified-organic produce, buy from EU-importing brands, and wash and peel conventional produce. BannedPantry flags products and crops associated with high-residue pesticides.
Frequently asked questions about 2,4-DB
Is 2,4-DB banned in the EU?
Yes — 2,4-DB is banned in the European Union, while it remains allowed for use in the United States.
Is 2,4-DB allowed in the US?
2,4-DB is allowed in the United States. US regulators have not imposed the same restrictions that apply across the EU.
Why is 2,4-DB a concern?
Independent reviews flag 2,4-DB for documented health or environmental risks, which is why EU regulators acted while the US has not.
How do I avoid 2,4-DB?
Choose certified-organic or EU-imported products, check labels, and scan barcodes with BannedPantry to flag 2,4-DB instantly.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains 2,4-DB or other ingredients banned overseas.
Scan a product free →Related pesticides
Avoiding banned food additives? Check your beauty shelf, too.
Sources
- 85 pesticides outlawed elsewhere still used in the US — Center for Biological Diversity
- Residues of pesticides banned in the EU in imported food — Veblen Institute
- EPA Pesticide Registration — U.S. EPA
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.