Is Dicrotophos Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Dicrotophos is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (pesticides).
CAS 141-66-2.
Is Dicrotophos banned in the EU?
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | cotton |
| CAS number | 141-66-2 |
What is Dicrotophos?
Dicrotophos (CAS 141-66-2) is a insecticide used in industrial agriculture.
Why is Dicrotophos used in food?
It is applied as a organophosphate insecticide on cotton.
Is Dicrotophos dangerous? Documented risks
Highly toxic cholinesterase inhibitor; not approved in the EU.
Common US products containing Dicrotophos
- cotton
How to avoid Dicrotophos: 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 Dicrotophos
Is Dicrotophos banned in the EU?
Yes — Dicrotophos is banned in the European Union, while it remains allowed for use in the United States.
Is Dicrotophos allowed in the US?
Dicrotophos is allowed in the United States. US regulators have not imposed the same restrictions that apply across the EU.
Why is Dicrotophos a concern?
Independent reviews flag Dicrotophos for documented health or environmental risks, which is why EU regulators acted while the US has not.
How do I avoid Dicrotophos?
Choose certified-organic or EU-imported products, check labels, and scan barcodes with BannedPantry to flag Dicrotophos instantly.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Dicrotophos 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.