Is Malathion Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Malathion is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (pesticides).
CAS 121-75-5.
Is Malathion banned in the EU?
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | fruit, vegetables, mosquito control |
| CAS number | 121-75-5 |
What is Malathion?
Malathion (CAS 121-75-5) is a insecticide used in industrial agriculture.
Why is Malathion used in food?
It is applied as a organophosphate insecticide.
Is Malathion dangerous? Documented risks
Probable carcinogen; non-approved in the EU.
Common US products containing Malathion
- fruit
- vegetables
- mosquito control
How to avoid Malathion: 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 Malathion
Is Malathion banned in the EU?
Yes — Malathion is banned in the European Union, while it remains allowed for use in the United States.
Is Malathion allowed in the US?
Malathion is allowed in the United States. US regulators have not imposed the same restrictions that apply across the EU.
Why is Malathion a concern?
Independent reviews flag Malathion for documented health or environmental risks, which is why EU regulators acted while the US has not.
How do I avoid Malathion?
Choose certified-organic or EU-imported products, check labels, and scan barcodes with BannedPantry to flag Malathion instantly.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Malathion 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.