The EPA is proposing a rule that would limit the use of chlorpyrifos to 11 food crops

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has announced a proposed rule to lift chlorpyrifos tolerances, which set the amount of a pesticide allowed on food.

With this regulation, all tolerances for chlorpyrifos will be lifted, with the exception of 11 food and fodder plants that continue to be registered.

The EPA said it is taking this action in response to a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.

This action will support EPA’s efforts to eliminate most uses of chlorpyrifos in food to reduce exposure and protect the public Health.

“EPA continues to prioritize the health of children,” said Michal Freedhoff, deputy 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 foods and better protect people, including infants and children, from exposure to chemicals harmful to human health.”

Chlorpyrifos is an organophosphate insecticide that has been used for a variety of agricultural purposes, including soybeans, fruit and nut trees, vegetables and other row crops, as well as non-food uses. At high concentrations, exposure to this insecticide can cause neurological effects such as tremors, fatigue and nausea. There are also concerns about exposure to pregnant women and children because chlorpyrifos has been linked to neurodevelopmental effects, suggesting that it may interfere with normal nervous system development during pregnancy or childhood.

In a final rule issued in August 2021, the EPA removed all tolerances for chlorpyrifos, effectively halting its use in all food and feed.

According to the proposed regulation, the use of chlorpyrifos is permitted in 11 food crops. These are alfalfa, apple, asparagus, cherry (sour), citrus, cotton, peach, soybean, strawberry, sugar beet and wheat (spring and winter). According to the EPA, keeping just the 11 food uses could reduce the average annual amount of chlorpyrifos used in the U.S. by 70 percent.

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