The US EPA announced on July 24 that it is banning the pesticide carbofuran from food sold in the US market, citing its residue risk to children ages 1 to 2. Used largely in developing countries, the pesticide is applied to less than 1% of US farmed acres. An assessment by the EPA determined that carbofuran surpasses safety levels for toddlers by 200% and that a hazard is posed when foods containing the neurotoxin are eaten together. The proposal is subject to a 60-day comment period and overrules a decision by the Agriculture Department. The pesticide’s manufacturer, FMC, is currently arguing against a ban under the EPA’s registration cancellation process for the chemical that was proposed two years ago.

Source: Washington Post