Is Paraquat Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Paraquat is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (pesticides).
CAS 1910-42-5.
Is Paraquat banned in the EU?
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | soybeans, cotton, grapes, almonds |
| CAS number | 1910-42-5 |
What is Paraquat?
Paraquat (CAS 1910-42-5) is a herbicide used in industrial agriculture.
Why is Paraquat used in food?
It is applied as a fast-acting contact herbicide.
Is Paraquat dangerous? Documented risks
Acutely lethal; linked to Parkinson's disease in studies. Banned in the EU since 2007.
Common US products containing Paraquat
- soybeans
- cotton
- grapes
- almonds
How to avoid Paraquat: 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 Paraquat
Is Paraquat banned in the EU?
Yes — Paraquat is banned in the European Union, while it remains allowed for use in the United States.
Is Paraquat allowed in the US?
Paraquat is allowed in the United States. US regulators have not imposed the same restrictions that apply across the EU.
Why is Paraquat a concern?
Independent reviews flag Paraquat for documented health or environmental risks, which is why EU regulators acted while the US has not.
How do I avoid Paraquat?
Choose certified-organic or EU-imported products, check labels, and scan barcodes with BannedPantry to flag Paraquat instantly.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Paraquat 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.