Is Chloropicrin Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Chloropicrin is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (pesticides).
CAS 76-06-2.
Is Chloropicrin banned in the EU?
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | strawberries, tomatoes, peppers |
| CAS number | 76-06-2 |
What is Chloropicrin?
Chloropicrin (CAS 76-06-2) is a soil fumigant used in industrial agriculture.
Why is Chloropicrin used in food?
It is applied as a soil fumigation before planting.
Is Chloropicrin dangerous? Documented risks
Acutely toxic respiratory irritant; tightly restricted and not EU-approved.
Common US products containing Chloropicrin
- strawberries
- tomatoes
- peppers
How to avoid Chloropicrin: 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 Chloropicrin
Is Chloropicrin banned in the EU?
Yes — Chloropicrin is banned in the European Union, while it remains allowed for use in the United States.
Is Chloropicrin allowed in the US?
Chloropicrin is allowed in the United States. US regulators have not imposed the same restrictions that apply across the EU.
Why is Chloropicrin a concern?
Independent reviews flag Chloropicrin for documented health or environmental risks, which is why EU regulators acted while the US has not.
How do I avoid Chloropicrin?
Choose certified-organic or EU-imported products, check labels, and scan barcodes with BannedPantry to flag Chloropicrin instantly.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Chloropicrin 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.