Is Chlorpyrifos Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Chlorpyrifos is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (pesticides).
CAS 2921-88-2.
Is Chlorpyrifos banned in the EU?
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | apples, oranges, berries, broccoli |
| CAS number | 2921-88-2 |
What is Chlorpyrifos?
Chlorpyrifos (CAS 2921-88-2) is a insecticide used in industrial agriculture.
Why is Chlorpyrifos used in food?
It is applied as a broad-spectrum organophosphate insecticide.
Is Chlorpyrifos dangerous? Documented risks
Linked to impaired brain development in children; banned in the EU in 2020.
Common US products containing Chlorpyrifos
- apples
- oranges
- berries
- broccoli
How to avoid Chlorpyrifos: 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 Chlorpyrifos
Is Chlorpyrifos banned in the EU?
Yes — Chlorpyrifos is banned in the European Union, while it remains allowed for use in the United States.
Is Chlorpyrifos allowed in the US?
Chlorpyrifos is allowed in the United States. US regulators have not imposed the same restrictions that apply across the EU.
Why is Chlorpyrifos a concern?
Independent reviews flag Chlorpyrifos for documented health or environmental risks, which is why EU regulators acted while the US has not.
How do I avoid Chlorpyrifos?
Choose certified-organic or EU-imported products, check labels, and scan barcodes with BannedPantry to flag Chlorpyrifos instantly.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Chlorpyrifos 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.