Is Tribufos Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Tribufos is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (pesticides).
CAS 78-48-8.
Is Tribufos banned in the EU?
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | cotton |
| CAS number | 78-48-8 |
What is Tribufos?
Tribufos (CAS 78-48-8) is a defoliant used in industrial agriculture.
Why is Tribufos used in food?
It is applied as a cotton harvest defoliant.
Is Tribufos dangerous? Documented risks
EU non-approval over neurotoxicity and worker exposure.
Common US products containing Tribufos
- cotton
How to avoid Tribufos: 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 Tribufos
Is Tribufos banned in the EU?
Yes — Tribufos is banned in the European Union, while it remains allowed for use in the United States.
Is Tribufos allowed in the US?
Tribufos is allowed in the United States. US regulators have not imposed the same restrictions that apply across the EU.
Why is Tribufos a concern?
Independent reviews flag Tribufos for documented health or environmental risks, which is why EU regulators acted while the US has not.
How do I avoid Tribufos?
Choose certified-organic or EU-imported products, check labels, and scan barcodes with BannedPantry to flag Tribufos instantly.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Tribufos 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.