Is Bensulide Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Bensulide is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (pesticides).
CAS 741-58-2.
Is Bensulide banned in the EU?
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | lettuce, cole crops, melons |
| CAS number | 741-58-2 |
What is Bensulide?
Bensulide (CAS 741-58-2) is a herbicide used in industrial agriculture.
Why is Bensulide used in food?
It is applied as a pre-emergence weed control on vegetables and turf.
Is Bensulide dangerous? Documented risks
EU non-approval over toxicity and groundwater concerns.
Common US products containing Bensulide
- lettuce
- cole crops
- melons
How to avoid Bensulide: 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 Bensulide
Is Bensulide banned in the EU?
Yes — Bensulide is banned in the European Union, while it remains allowed for use in the United States.
Is Bensulide allowed in the US?
Bensulide is allowed in the United States. US regulators have not imposed the same restrictions that apply across the EU.
Why is Bensulide a concern?
Independent reviews flag Bensulide for documented health or environmental risks, which is why EU regulators acted while the US has not.
How do I avoid Bensulide?
Choose certified-organic or EU-imported products, check labels, and scan barcodes with BannedPantry to flag Bensulide instantly.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Bensulide 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.