Is Atrazine Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Atrazine is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (pesticides).
CAS 1912-24-9.
Is Atrazine banned in the EU?
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | corn, sorghum, sugarcane |
| CAS number | 1912-24-9 |
What is Atrazine?
Atrazine (CAS 1912-24-9) is a herbicide used in industrial agriculture.
Why is Atrazine used in food?
It is applied as a broadleaf and grass weed control in corn.
Is Atrazine dangerous? Documented risks
Endocrine disruptor and water contaminant; banned in the EU since 2004.
Common US products containing Atrazine
- corn
- sorghum
- sugarcane
How to avoid Atrazine: 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 Atrazine
Is Atrazine banned in the EU?
Yes — Atrazine is banned in the European Union, while it remains allowed for use in the United States.
Is Atrazine allowed in the US?
Atrazine is allowed in the United States. US regulators have not imposed the same restrictions that apply across the EU.
Why is Atrazine a concern?
Independent reviews flag Atrazine for documented health or environmental risks, which is why EU regulators acted while the US has not.
How do I avoid Atrazine?
Choose certified-organic or EU-imported products, check labels, and scan barcodes with BannedPantry to flag Atrazine instantly.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Atrazine 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 6/10/2026.