Is Phorate Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Phorate is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (pesticides).
CAS 298-02-2.
Is Phorate banned in the EU?
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | potatoes, corn, sugar beets |
| CAS number | 298-02-2 |
What is Phorate?
Phorate (CAS 298-02-2) is a insecticide used in industrial agriculture.
Why is Phorate used in food?
It is applied as a systemic organophosphate insecticide/nematicide.
Is Phorate dangerous? Documented risks
Among the most acutely toxic pesticides; not EU-approved.
Common US products containing Phorate
- potatoes
- corn
- sugar beets
How to avoid Phorate: 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 Phorate
Is Phorate banned in the EU?
Yes — Phorate is banned in the European Union, while it remains allowed for use in the United States.
Is Phorate allowed in the US?
Phorate is allowed in the United States. US regulators have not imposed the same restrictions that apply across the EU.
Why is Phorate a concern?
Independent reviews flag Phorate for documented health or environmental risks, which is why EU regulators acted while the US has not.
How do I avoid Phorate?
Choose certified-organic or EU-imported products, check labels, and scan barcodes with BannedPantry to flag Phorate instantly.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Phorate 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.