Is Fipronil Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Fipronil is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (pesticides).
CAS 120068-37-3.
Is Fipronil banned in the EU?
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | corn, sunflower, turf |
| CAS number | 120068-37-3 |
What is Fipronil?
Fipronil (CAS 120068-37-3) is a insecticide used in industrial agriculture.
Why is Fipronil used in food?
It is applied as a phenylpyrazole insecticide.
Is Fipronil dangerous? Documented risks
Banned for most EU agricultural use over pollinator harm.
Common US products containing Fipronil
- corn
- sunflower
- turf
How to avoid Fipronil: 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 Fipronil
Is Fipronil banned in the EU?
Yes — Fipronil is banned in the European Union, while it remains allowed for use in the United States.
Is Fipronil allowed in the US?
Fipronil is allowed in the United States. US regulators have not imposed the same restrictions that apply across the EU.
Why is Fipronil a concern?
Independent reviews flag Fipronil for documented health or environmental risks, which is why EU regulators acted while the US has not.
How do I avoid Fipronil?
Choose certified-organic or EU-imported products, check labels, and scan barcodes with BannedPantry to flag Fipronil instantly.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Fipronil 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.