Following a court’s decision to lift a ban, the agency has suggested limiting chlorpyrifos to 11 types of food crops, highlighting the constraints of federal oversight. Nearly 25 years after federal authorities restricted the use of a pesticide associated with learning disabilities in children, and three years after a complete ban on its application to food crops, the chemical is now being used on a variety of produce, including bananas and turnips, in most states. The story of this pesticide, known as chlorpyrifos, serves as a stark reminder of the concerns many Americans have regarding industrial agriculture and the food supply. The concern contributed to the momentum behind Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s presidential campaign and his subsequent appointment to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. It also highlights the challenges regulators will encounter when attempting to fulfill campaign promises to eliminate harmful chemicals from the food supply, a commitment frequently made by Mr. Kennedy. A recent development occurred on Monday when the Environmental Protection Agency proposed banning the use of chlorpyrifos on crops, but allowing it for 11 types of produce, including fruits frequently consumed by children such as apples, oranges, peaches, and cherries. In an interview, Dr. Michal Freedhoff, assistant administrator of the E.P.A.’s office of chemical safety and pollution prevention, stated that the proposed rule aims to maximize benefits for children’s health while complying with a federal court ruling from last year that overturned the agency’s initial ban. According to an initial analysis by the E.P.A., the proposal is expected to reduce the annual pesticide use on fields and orchards by 3.9 million pounds, down from the 5.3 million pounds used between 2014 and 2018. If you are currently in Reader mode, please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe to access all of The Times. We appreciate your patience as we verify your access. Are you already a subscriber? Sign in… Interested in accessing all of The Times? Subscribe.
