"The last remaining registrations that allow chlorpyrifos to be used on food crops would be canceled under a pair of notices the EPA is proposing, a move that would end food uses of a pesticide the agency says harms children.

The Environmental Protection Agency’s effort comes as industry groups fight in court for what they describe as a “vitally important” tool to protect grains, fruits, and vegetables from pests. Their case will be heard in oral argument on Dec. 15 before the US Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.

In a notice published on Tuesday, the EPA announced that Corteva Agriscience LLC and two other companies have voluntarily agreed to cancel their registrations for more than a dozen pesticide formulations made with chlorpyrifos that have been used on cherries, corn, cucumbers, wheat, and other grains, fruits and vegetables.

The EPA will announce in a notice to be published on Wednesday that it intends to cancel the last remaining food-use registrations for chlorpyrifos, which are held by Gharda Chemicals."

Pat Rizzuto reports for Bloomberg Environment December 13, 2022. [2]