EPA Rule Would Revoke Most Uses of Insecticide

The Environmental Protection Agency announced a proposed rule to revoke tolerances for chlorpyrifos, which establishes the amount of a pesticide that’s allowed on food.  This rule revokes all tolerances for chlorpyrifos, except for those tolerances associated with the 11 food and feed crops that would remain registered. The EPA said it’s taking this action in response to a decision by the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals.

“EPA continues to prioritize the health of children,” noted Michal Freedhoff of the EPA. “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 is an organophosphate insecticide that was used in a large variety of ways in agriculture, including fruit and nut trees, vegetables, soybeans and other row crops, as well as many non-food uses.

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