HHS Secretary Backs EPA’s February Chlorpyrifos-in-Food Ban

Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra endorsed an EPA decision taking effect in February that aims to cut human exposure to chlorpyrifos, a nerve-damaging pesticide.

The Monday endorsement occurred the same day the Environmental Protection Agency announced in a notice that chlorpyrifos no longer will be allowed on food starting Feb. 28, 2022.

• The agency had released its chlorpyrifos decision Aug. 18, but not the date it would take effect.
• Chlorpyrifos “should be removed from use in ways that can impact human health,” Beccara said as he discussed a new climate change and health equity office within the Department ...