Is EPTC Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: EPTC is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (pesticides).
CAS 759-94-4.
Is EPTC banned in the EU?
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | potatoes, beans, corn |
| CAS number | 759-94-4 |
What is EPTC?
EPTC (CAS 759-94-4) is a herbicide used in industrial agriculture.
Why is EPTC used in food?
It is applied as a pre-plant herbicide on potatoes, beans, corn.
Is EPTC dangerous? Documented risks
EU non-approval over toxicity profile.
Common US products containing EPTC
- potatoes
- beans
- corn
How to avoid EPTC: 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 EPTC
Is EPTC banned in the EU?
Yes — EPTC is banned in the European Union, while it remains allowed for use in the United States.
Is EPTC allowed in the US?
EPTC is allowed in the United States. US regulators have not imposed the same restrictions that apply across the EU.
Why is EPTC a concern?
Independent reviews flag EPTC for documented health or environmental risks, which is why EU regulators acted while the US has not.
How do I avoid EPTC?
Choose certified-organic or EU-imported products, check labels, and scan barcodes with BannedPantry to flag EPTC instantly.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains EPTC 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.