Is Phosmet Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Phosmet is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (pesticides).
CAS 732-11-6.
Is Phosmet banned in the EU?
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | apples, peaches, blueberries |
| CAS number | 732-11-6 |
What is Phosmet?
Phosmet (CAS 732-11-6) is a insecticide used in industrial agriculture.
Why is Phosmet used in food?
It is applied as a organophosphate insecticide.
Is Phosmet dangerous? Documented risks
Not approved in the EU over neurodevelopmental concerns.
Common US products containing Phosmet
- apples
- peaches
- blueberries
How to avoid Phosmet: 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 Phosmet
Is Phosmet banned in the EU?
Yes — Phosmet is banned in the European Union, while it remains allowed for use in the United States.
Is Phosmet allowed in the US?
Phosmet is allowed in the United States. US regulators have not imposed the same restrictions that apply across the EU.
Why is Phosmet a concern?
Independent reviews flag Phosmet for documented health or environmental risks, which is why EU regulators acted while the US has not.
How do I avoid Phosmet?
Choose certified-organic or EU-imported products, check labels, and scan barcodes with BannedPantry to flag Phosmet instantly.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Phosmet 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.