EPA Proposes Rule to Revoke Most Food Uses of the Pesticide Chlorpyrifos to Protect Farmworkers and the Food Supply

Recently, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a proposed rule to revoke tolerances for chlorpyrifos, which establish the amount of a pesticide that is allowed on food. This rule revokes all tolerances for chlorpyrifos, except for those tolerances associated with the 11 food and feed crops that remain registered.

The 11 food uses are alfalfa, apple, asparagus, cherry (tart), citrus, cotton, peach, soybean, strawberry, sugar beets, and wheat (spring and winter) and are limited to specific states that were assessed in the 2020 Proposed Interim Registration Review Decision (PID).

According to the EPA:

Chlorpyrifos is an organophosphate (OP) insecticide that was used for a large variety of agricultural uses, including soybeans, fruit and nut trees, vegetables, and other row crops, as well as non-food uses. At high levels, OP exposures can result in neurological effects such as tremors, fatigue, and nausea. There is also concern for exposures to pregnant women and children since chlorpyrifos has been associated with neurodevelopmental effects indicating it could impact the normal development of the nervous system during pregnancy or childhood.

“Since 1965, chlorpyrifos has been used in the United States,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “This latest action by the EPA follows those of the European Union and Canada that have already restricted the use of chlorpyrifos on food products. It is good news as exposure to chlorpyrifos can cause harm to not only people consuming contaminated foods, but also to farmworkers and potentially those living in areas of use.”

To help farmers, food processors, importers, distributors, retailers, and regulators test for chlorpyrifos and many other pesticides, EMSL Analytical offers food, environmental, and industrial hygiene testing resources. These services protect people and the environment, while also helping to keep companies and food producers in regulatory compliance.

To learn more about pesticide testing or other food, industrial hygiene, and environmental services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675, or email info@EMSL.com .

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail