The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a proposed rule aimed at revoking tolerances for the insecticide chlorpyrifos, except for 11 food and feed crops that remain registered. This decision follows a ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit and is part of EPA's efforts to reduce exposure to chlorpyrifos and protect public health.
“EPA continues to prioritize the health of children,” stated Michal Freedhoff, Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention. “This proposed rule is a critical step forward as we work to reduce chlorpyrifos in or on food and to better protect people, including infants and children, from exposure to chemicals that are harmful to human health.”
Chlorpyrifos, an organophosphate insecticide used in agriculture, has been associated with neurological effects at high exposure levels. Concerns have been raised about its potential impact on pregnant women and children's neurodevelopment.
In August 2021, EPA revoked all tolerances for chlorpyrifos on food following an order from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. However, this rule was vacated by the Eighth Circuit in November 2023, reinstating chlorpyrifos tolerances.
Since then, EPA has worked with registrants to limit chlorpyrifos use on food consistent with 11 specific uses identified by the Eighth Circuit: alfalfa, apple, asparagus, cherry (tart), citrus, cotton, peach, soybean, strawberry, sugar beets, and wheat (spring and winter). These restrictions could reduce annual chlorpyrifos usage by 70% compared to historical levels.
The registration review process for chlorpyrifos continues. An amended Proposed Interim Registration Review Decision (PID) will be issued for public comment before an Interim Decision is made in 2026.
The proposed rule will be available for public comment upon publication in the Federal Register under docket ID EPA-HQ-OPP-2024-0431 at Regulations.gov.
For more details about this pesticide visit EPA’s chlorpyrifos webpage.
