Is Diquat dibromide Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Diquat dibromide is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (pesticides).
CAS 85-00-7.
Is Diquat dibromide banned in the EU?
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | potatoes, seed crops, aquatic weeds |
| CAS number | 85-00-7 |
What is Diquat dibromide?
Diquat dibromide (CAS 85-00-7) is a herbicide used in industrial agriculture.
Why is Diquat dibromide used in food?
It is applied as a fast contact herbicide and desiccant.
Is Diquat dibromide dangerous? Documented risks
Banned in the EU in 2019 over toxicity to operators and bystanders.
Common US products containing Diquat dibromide
- potatoes
- seed crops
- aquatic weeds
How to avoid Diquat dibromide: 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 Diquat dibromide
Is Diquat dibromide banned in the EU?
Yes — Diquat dibromide is banned in the European Union, while it remains allowed for use in the United States.
Is Diquat dibromide allowed in the US?
Diquat dibromide is allowed in the United States. US regulators have not imposed the same restrictions that apply across the EU.
Why is Diquat dibromide a concern?
Independent reviews flag Diquat dibromide for documented health or environmental risks, which is why EU regulators acted while the US has not.
How do I avoid Diquat dibromide?
Choose certified-organic or EU-imported products, check labels, and scan barcodes with BannedPantry to flag Diquat dibromide instantly.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Diquat dibromide 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.