Is Oxyfluorfen Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Oxyfluorfen is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (pesticides).
CAS 42874-03-3.
Is Oxyfluorfen banned in the EU?
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | citrus, grapes, onions |
| CAS number | 42874-03-3 |
What is Oxyfluorfen?
Oxyfluorfen (CAS 42874-03-3) is a herbicide used in industrial agriculture.
Why is Oxyfluorfen used in food?
It is applied as a diphenyl-ether herbicide.
Is Oxyfluorfen dangerous? Documented risks
Not EU-approved over toxicity and persistence.
Common US products containing Oxyfluorfen
- citrus
- grapes
- onions
How to avoid Oxyfluorfen: 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 Oxyfluorfen
Is Oxyfluorfen banned in the EU?
Yes — Oxyfluorfen is banned in the European Union, while it remains allowed for use in the United States.
Is Oxyfluorfen allowed in the US?
Oxyfluorfen is allowed in the United States. US regulators have not imposed the same restrictions that apply across the EU.
Why is Oxyfluorfen a concern?
Independent reviews flag Oxyfluorfen for documented health or environmental risks, which is why EU regulators acted while the US has not.
How do I avoid Oxyfluorfen?
Choose certified-organic or EU-imported products, check labels, and scan barcodes with BannedPantry to flag Oxyfluorfen instantly.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Oxyfluorfen 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.