On 7 August 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final cancellation order for specific chlorpyrifos pesticide registrations and amendments to terminate certain uses. This action follows voluntary requests by registrants and aims to address concerns over the safety of chlorpyrifos for food and environmental health.
Background
Chlorpyrifos, a pesticide used in various agricultural settings, has faced increasing scrutiny over its potential health risks. In August 2021, the EPA revoked chlorpyrifos tolerances, effectively banning its use on food crops. Following this revocation, several registrants requested the voluntary cancellation or amendment of their chlorpyrifos product registrations.
Details of the Cancellation Order
The EPA's final cancellation order includes the termination of specific uses and the cancellation of certain chlorpyrifos products. The affected products and their terminated uses are detailed in Tables 1 and 2 of the announcement.
Chlorpyrifos Registrations Amended to Terminate Uses
- Product Name: Chlorpyrifos 61.5% MUP
- Company: Chemstarr, LLC
- Terminated Uses: Food processing plants (food and non-food areas)
- Product Name: Chlorpyrifos 4 EC
- Company: Tide International
- Terminated Uses: Various food crops including alfalfa, apple tree trunk, asparagus, Brassica leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, corn, cotton, cranberry, legume vegetables, onion, peanut, peppermint, sorghum, soybean, spearmint, sugar beet, sunflower, sweet potato, tree fruits, tree nuts, and wheat.
Chlorpyrifos Product Cancellations
- Product Name: Equil Chlorpyrifos ULV 1 and Equil Chlorpyrifos ULV 2
- Company: Central Garden & Pet
- Active Ingredient: Chlorpyrifos
Public Comments and EPA Response
The EPA received two public comments in response to the 3 April 2024, notice regarding the proposed cancellations and amendments. Both comments supported the cancellation of chlorpyrifos products but raised concerns about the health risks associated with the continued use of existing stocks. The EPA addressed these concerns by emphasising that the cancellation action aligns with the registrants' requests and complies with FIFRA's provisions.
Provisions for Existing Stocks
The EPA has outlined specific provisions for the sale, distribution, and use of existing stocks of the affected chlorpyrifos products. These provisions are designed to minimise health risks and ensure compliance with the cancellation order:
- Sale and distribution of Chlorpyrifos 61.5% MUP (81964–21) will be prohibited immediately after the final cancellation order is issued.
- Sale and distribution of Chlorpyrifos 4 EC (84229–20) will be allowed until 30 April 2025.
- Use of existing stocks for non-food purposes will be permitted until they are exhausted, provided such use is consistent with product labelling.
The EPA's final cancellation order reflects its commitment to protecting public health and the environment by phasing out the use of chlorpyrifos in food production and reducing potential exposure to harmful pesticides. The agency will continue to monitor and enforce compliance with the order to ensure the safety and well-being of communities and ecosystems.
