Is Streptomycin Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Streptomycin is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (pesticides).
CAS 57-92-1.
Is Streptomycin banned in the EU?
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | apples, pears, citrus |
| CAS number | 57-92-1 |
What is Streptomycin?
Streptomycin (CAS 57-92-1) is a antibiotic used in industrial agriculture.
Why is Streptomycin used in food?
It is applied as a bactericide for fire blight and citrus disease.
Is Streptomycin dangerous? Documented risks
EU bans crop use of medically important antibiotics over resistance risk.
Common US products containing Streptomycin
- apples
- pears
- citrus
How to avoid Streptomycin: 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 Streptomycin
Is Streptomycin banned in the EU?
Yes — Streptomycin is banned in the European Union, while it remains allowed for use in the United States.
Is Streptomycin allowed in the US?
Streptomycin is allowed in the United States. US regulators have not imposed the same restrictions that apply across the EU.
Why is Streptomycin a concern?
Independent reviews flag Streptomycin for documented health or environmental risks, which is why EU regulators acted while the US has not.
How do I avoid Streptomycin?
Choose certified-organic or EU-imported products, check labels, and scan barcodes with BannedPantry to flag Streptomycin instantly.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Streptomycin 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.