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Pesticides & GMO · Atrazine

Where atrazine is banned, and why

By · Published · Last checked

Where it stands

herbicide · Banned in 2 of 8 · Allowed in 2 of 3 in North America

  • European UnionBanned

    Not approved since 2004.

  • United KingdomBanned

    Not approved.

  • ChinaNot verified

    Not verified in this research pass. Check GB 2760-2024, the national food additive standard.

  • RussiaNot verified

    Not verified in this research pass. Check EAEU technical regulation TR CU 029/2012 on additives.

  • JapanNot verified

    Not verified in this research pass. Check MHLW list of designated food additives.

  • United StatesAllowed

    Registered.

  • CanadaAllowed

    Registration confirmed after a 2017 special review.

  • MexicoNot verified

    Not verified in this research pass. Check the COFEPRIS acuerdo on additives and processing aids.

Also banned in: —

Why is it restricted?

The EU didn't renew it in 2004 because it and its breakdown products seep into groundwater above the drinking-water limit.

Where is it found?

Corn fields; detected in drinking water in farm regions.

How do I spot it on a label?

  • not labelled

What you can do: The main exposure is water, not food. If you're on a rural well near corn fields, test it.

Quick answers

Is atrazine allowed in Canada?
Allowed. Registration confirmed after a 2017 special review.
Is atrazine allowed in the United States?
Allowed. Registered.
Is atrazine allowed in the European Union?
Banned. Not approved since 2004.

Sources

  1. 29.Health Canada PMRA: Atrazine special review decision (2017) (opens in a new tab)publications.gc.ca · Primary: government, court or law

General information, not legal or medical advice. “Banned elsewhere” doesn't automatically mean unsafe: some bans rest on animal welfare, trade or caution. Read the fact checks before sharing a list.

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