Is Dimethoate Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Dimethoate is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (pesticides).
CAS 60-51-5.
Is Dimethoate banned in the EU?
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | cherries, olives, citrus |
| CAS number | 60-51-5 |
What is Dimethoate?
Dimethoate (CAS 60-51-5) is a insecticide used in industrial agriculture.
Why is Dimethoate used in food?
It is applied as a systemic organophosphate insecticide.
Is Dimethoate dangerous? Documented risks
Banned in the EU in 2019 over consumer and genotoxicity concerns.
Common US products containing Dimethoate
- cherries
- olives
- citrus
How to avoid Dimethoate: 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 Dimethoate
Is Dimethoate banned in the EU?
Yes — Dimethoate is banned in the European Union, while it remains allowed for use in the United States.
Is Dimethoate allowed in the US?
Dimethoate is allowed in the United States. US regulators have not imposed the same restrictions that apply across the EU.
Why is Dimethoate a concern?
Independent reviews flag Dimethoate for documented health or environmental risks, which is why EU regulators acted while the US has not.
How do I avoid Dimethoate?
Choose certified-organic or EU-imported products, check labels, and scan barcodes with BannedPantry to flag Dimethoate instantly.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Dimethoate 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.