Is Oxytetracycline Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Oxytetracycline is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (pesticides).
CAS 79-57-2.
Is Oxytetracycline banned in the EU?
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | citrus, apples, pears |
| CAS number | 79-57-2 |
What is Oxytetracycline?
Oxytetracycline (CAS 79-57-2) is a antibiotic used in industrial agriculture.
Why is Oxytetracycline used in food?
It is applied as a antibiotic spray for citrus greening and fire blight.
Is Oxytetracycline dangerous? Documented risks
EU prohibits agricultural use of medically important antibiotics on crops.
Common US products containing Oxytetracycline
- citrus
- apples
- pears
How to avoid Oxytetracycline: 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 Oxytetracycline
Is Oxytetracycline banned in the EU?
Yes — Oxytetracycline is banned in the European Union, while it remains allowed for use in the United States.
Is Oxytetracycline allowed in the US?
Oxytetracycline is allowed in the United States. US regulators have not imposed the same restrictions that apply across the EU.
Why is Oxytetracycline a concern?
Independent reviews flag Oxytetracycline for documented health or environmental risks, which is why EU regulators acted while the US has not.
How do I avoid Oxytetracycline?
Choose certified-organic or EU-imported products, check labels, and scan barcodes with BannedPantry to flag Oxytetracycline instantly.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Oxytetracycline 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.