Is Pendimethalin Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Pendimethalin is restricted in the EU but allowed in the US (pesticides).
CAS 40487-42-1.
Is Pendimethalin banned in the EU?
| EU status | Restricted |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | corn, soybeans, onions |
| CAS number | 40487-42-1 |
What is Pendimethalin?
Pendimethalin (CAS 40487-42-1) is a herbicide used in industrial agriculture.
Why is Pendimethalin used in food?
It is applied as a dinitroaniline pre-emergence herbicide.
Is Pendimethalin dangerous? Documented risks
Restricted in the EU over volatility and aquatic toxicity.
Common US products containing Pendimethalin
- corn
- soybeans
- onions
How to avoid Pendimethalin: 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 Pendimethalin
Is Pendimethalin banned in the EU?
Yes — Pendimethalin is restricted in the European Union, while it remains allowed for use in the United States.
Is Pendimethalin allowed in the US?
Pendimethalin is allowed in the United States. US regulators have not imposed the same restrictions that apply across the EU.
Why is Pendimethalin a concern?
Independent reviews flag Pendimethalin for documented health or environmental risks, which is why EU regulators acted while the US has not.
How do I avoid Pendimethalin?
Choose certified-organic or EU-imported products, check labels, and scan barcodes with BannedPantry to flag Pendimethalin instantly.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Pendimethalin 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.