Is chlorpyrifos allowed in the United States?

Restricted. Food tolerances reinstated by a court in 2024; EPA proposed keeping only 11 crops.

Is chlorpyrifos allowed in the European Union?

Banned. Approval not renewed in 2020. Not re-checked in this pass.

Pesticides & GMO · Chlorpyrifos

Where chlorpyrifos is banned, and why

By Rashad Bayram · Published 29 Oct 2026 · Last checked 24 Oct 2026

Where it stands

insecticide · Banned in 2 of 8 · Allowed in 0 of 3 in North America

European UnionBanned
Approval not renewed in 2020. Not re-checked in this pass.
United KingdomBanned
Not approved. Not re-checked in this pass.
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 StatesRestricted
Food tolerances reinstated by a court in 2024; EPA proposed keeping only 11 crops.
CanadaNot verified
Not verified in this research pass. Check Health Canada Lists of Permitted Food Additives and the PMRA label search.
MexicoNot verified
Not verified in this research pass. Check the COFEPRIS acuerdo on additives and processing aids.

Also banned in: —

Why is it restricted?

In 2019 EU food-safety scientists (EFSA) said they could not rule out harm to children's developing brains and could not set a safe intake level, so the EU did not renew its approval.

Where is it found?

Residues on some fruit and field crops.

How do I spot it on a label?

not labelled
Lorsban (brand)

What you can do: Not on labels. Washing helps with surface residues; organic rules out synthetic insecticides.

Quick answers

Is chlorpyrifos allowed in the United States?: Restricted. Food tolerances reinstated by a court in 2024; EPA proposed keeping only 11 crops.
Is chlorpyrifos allowed in the European Union?: Banned. Approval not renewed in 2020. Not re-checked in this pass.

Sources

30.US EPA: Chlorpyrifos current status FAQ (opens in a new tab)epa.gov · Primary: government, court or law
79.European Commission: Chlorpyrifos and chlorpyrifos-methyl, non-renewal of approval (EFSA statements, 2 Aug 2019) (opens in a new tab)food.ec.europa.eu · Primary: government, court or law

Atrazine
Also banned in EU, UK
Azodicarbonamide (ADA)
Also banned in EU, UK
Chemical washes on poultry
Also banned in EU, UK
Citrus Red No. 2
Also banned in EU, UK

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.