Is Thiamethoxam Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Thiamethoxam is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (pesticides).
CAS 153719-23-4.
Is Thiamethoxam banned in the EU?
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | soybeans, cereals, fruit |
| CAS number | 153719-23-4 |
What is Thiamethoxam?
Thiamethoxam (CAS 153719-23-4) is a insecticide used in industrial agriculture.
Why is Thiamethoxam used in food?
It is applied as a systemic neonicotinoid insecticide.
Is Thiamethoxam dangerous? Documented risks
Banned for outdoor EU use over bee toxicity.
Common US products containing Thiamethoxam
- soybeans
- cereals
- fruit
How to avoid Thiamethoxam: 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 Thiamethoxam
Is Thiamethoxam banned in the EU?
Yes — Thiamethoxam is banned in the European Union, while it remains allowed for use in the United States.
Is Thiamethoxam allowed in the US?
Thiamethoxam is allowed in the United States. US regulators have not imposed the same restrictions that apply across the EU.
Why is Thiamethoxam a concern?
Independent reviews flag Thiamethoxam for documented health or environmental risks, which is why EU regulators acted while the US has not.
How do I avoid Thiamethoxam?
Choose certified-organic or EU-imported products, check labels, and scan barcodes with BannedPantry to flag Thiamethoxam instantly.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Thiamethoxam 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
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