Is Bifenthrin Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Bifenthrin is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (pesticides).
CAS 82657-04-3.
Is Bifenthrin banned in the EU?
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | corn, strawberries, citrus |
| CAS number | 82657-04-3 |
What is Bifenthrin?
Bifenthrin (CAS 82657-04-3) is a insecticide used in industrial agriculture.
Why is Bifenthrin used in food?
It is applied as a pyrethroid insecticide.
Is Bifenthrin dangerous? Documented risks
Possible carcinogen; restricted/non-approved across the EU.
Common US products containing Bifenthrin
- corn
- strawberries
- citrus
How to avoid Bifenthrin: 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 Bifenthrin
Is Bifenthrin banned in the EU?
Yes — Bifenthrin is banned in the European Union, while it remains allowed for use in the United States.
Is Bifenthrin allowed in the US?
Bifenthrin is allowed in the United States. US regulators have not imposed the same restrictions that apply across the EU.
Why is Bifenthrin a concern?
Independent reviews flag Bifenthrin for documented health or environmental risks, which is why EU regulators acted while the US has not.
How do I avoid Bifenthrin?
Choose certified-organic or EU-imported products, check labels, and scan barcodes with BannedPantry to flag Bifenthrin instantly.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Bifenthrin 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.