Is S-metolachlor Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: S-metolachlor is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (pesticides).
CAS 87392-12-9.
Is S-metolachlor banned in the EU?
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | corn, soybeans, sorghum |
| CAS number | 87392-12-9 |
What is S-metolachlor?
S-metolachlor (CAS 87392-12-9) is a herbicide used in industrial agriculture.
Why is S-metolachlor used in food?
It is applied as a chloroacetanilide herbicide.
Is S-metolachlor dangerous? Documented risks
Banned in the EU in 2024 over groundwater metabolite contamination.
Common US products containing S-metolachlor
- corn
- soybeans
- sorghum
How to avoid S-metolachlor: 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 S-metolachlor
Is S-metolachlor banned in the EU?
Yes — S-metolachlor is banned in the European Union, while it remains allowed for use in the United States.
Is S-metolachlor allowed in the US?
S-metolachlor is allowed in the United States. US regulators have not imposed the same restrictions that apply across the EU.
Why is S-metolachlor a concern?
Independent reviews flag S-metolachlor for documented health or environmental risks, which is why EU regulators acted while the US has not.
How do I avoid S-metolachlor?
Choose certified-organic or EU-imported products, check labels, and scan barcodes with BannedPantry to flag S-metolachlor instantly.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains S-metolachlor 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.