Will US Court Finally Force EPA to Ban Chlorpyrifos?

Last Updated on May 17, 2021 by Colleen

Chlorpyrifos is one of the most toxic agricultural chemicals. But the last administration stopped a move to ban its use. Now a U.S. court steps in to give the EPA a directive, and a very short timeframe to act.

Clarksburg, MD, USA 09/12/2020: A yellow yard sign warning kids and pets of the recent pesticide spraying and advises them to stay away. A kid is playing regardless. Pesticide use is a big concern.

How Toxic is Chlorpyrifos and Who is at Risk?

Dow Chemical patented chlorpyrifos as a pesticide in 1966. It is an organophosphate chemical. Farmers, groundskeepers, and exterminators have used it for 65 years. (To go straight to what you can do to protect yourself and influence the EPA’s decision, scroll down to “How Can You Protect Your Loved Ones from Toxic Chemicals?”)

It kills insects by inhibiting the essential enzyme activity that enables the messages that travel through nerve cells. Chlorpyrifos drifts through the air and poisons the lungs of people exposed to it. It also spreads its poison to people by clinging to fruits and vegetables and grass.

Tragically, it has proven to cause developmental damage even with a small exposure in fetuses and small children. Acute exposure can cause neuromuscular symptoms, seizures, lung failure, paralysis, and death. It is also toxic to bees and crustaceans.

How Do You Get Exposed to Chlorpyrifos?

Despite this toxicity, farmers, exterminators, and grounds keepers in the U.S. have used chlorpyrifos to control pests on

  • corn
  • soybeans
  • fruit and nut trees
  • Brussel sprouts
  • cranberries
  • broccoli and cauliflower
  • golf courses
  • turf
  • termite control
  • roach and ant traps

What Other Countries Have Banned It?

Many countries banned this toxin. And yet, the U.S. has continued using it to the present day. Here is the timeline.

  • Singapore in 2009
  • South Africa in 2010
  • Denmark 2012
  • European Union 2020

Why Hasn’t the U.S. Banned Chlorpyrifos?

Dow Chemical has lobbied hard for many years to keep chlorpyrifos on the market in the United States. The company asserts it is safe for use. And yet, the EPA has not been able to find a safe threshold of exposure. In fact, Dow paid a $2 million fine to the State of New York for claiming its product was safe. Here’s a quick timeline.

  • 1989 OSHA set a maximum exposure level but it was later reversed by the U.S. Court of Appeals.
  • 2000 The industry reached an agreement with the EPA to voluntarily restrict the use of chlorpyrifos near children.
  • 2003 Dow Chemical paid a fine to NY State for claiming the chemical was safe.
  • 2007 The Pesticide Action Network and Natural Resource Defense Council appealed to the EPA to ban chlorpyrifos.
  • 2015 A U.S. Court of Appeals told the EPA to ban chlorpyrifo, stating the EPA had failed to show the chemical met legal safety requirements.
  • 2016 The EPA decided to ban the chemical despite Dow Chemical’s persistent claims that it is safe and critical to growers.
  • 2017 The Trump Administration’s Sec. of Agriculture Scott Pruit revoked the EPA ban. Pruitt claimed he had not met with Dow Chemical executives prior to revoking the ban. But it was later revealed he had met with them dozens of times and specifically told them he would revoke the ban.
  • 2017 California adds chlorpyrifos to its Prop 65 list of toxic chemicals and set minimum exposure levels at .025PPB. The American Academy of Pediatrics protests the Administrations lack of movement on the ban, stating the chemical’s well-established danger to children.
  • 2018 The U.S. Court of Appeals told the EPA to ban chlorpyrifos within 60 days but the ruling was appealed by the Trump Administration.
  • 2020 California banned chlorpyrifos. Thailand bans the use of chlorpyrifos and paraquat and moves to ban imported foods grown by farmers using these chemcals. The US and Brazil appeal to the WTA to force Thailand to reverse its ban. it completely within 60 days.

Who’s to Blame for the Poisoning of America?

The history of chlorpyrifos is a lesson in the danger to people and our planet of taking on one toxic chemical at a time. Dow Chemical introduced chlorpyrifos to the market over 55 years ago. It’s been poisoning fetuses, children, and adults ever since. As far back as 1989 the U.S. government showed public concern over the chemical as seen in the OSHA exposure limits. And twenty years ago the industry publicly admitted it was toxic to children by agreeing to usage restrictions.

Yet, lawsuit after lawsuit, research evidence be damned, court orders disregarded, the EPA failed to protect the people and country it is chartered to protect. And, yes, the delay of the ban over the last five years is due to direct and malicious actions of the Trump Administration. But a handful of other Administrations — Republican and Democrat — could have banned this poison years ago and did not.

What Can We Learn about Glyphosate from the Chlorpyrifos Story?

The lesson is clear. We cannot achieve a cleaner world fighting one chemical at a time. As much as we know some chemicals like glyphosate and chlorpyrifos are perhaps more toxic or pervasive than some others, we cannot cherry pick the handful of worst offenders and try to pick them off one by one. There simply isn’t enough time (unless you think a standard of 50 or more years from introduction to ban to be your measure of success). We must get to the core of the problem.

  1. Companies must prove chemicals are safe before they are allowed to introduce them on the market.
  2. Consumers should have a right to know if there is toxic residue on their food.
  3. Because of their position between farms and consumers, brands, suppliers, and distributors should be the intermediary that requires testing from the farms. They also should test their final product for toxic residue and provide complete transparency to consumers. Finally, that transparency to consumers has to be provided in an actionable format — at a time when they are making purchasing or eating decisions. Consumers should not have to contact a customer service person to request the information.

How Can You Protect Your Loved Ones from Toxic Chemicals?

  1. Buy organic whenever possible but especially produce that you eat that cannot be peeled.
  2. Soak your produce in a solution of water with a bit of apple cider vinegar or baking soda or both.
  3. Buy from companies you trust. Avoid cheap food. Cheap can mean the farmer used a lot of chemicals to increase their yield so they can keep prices low.
  4. Ask brands you love to test their food and make the results publicly available.
  5. Contact the EPA and ask them to ban chlorpyrifos and to require chemical companies to prove their products are safe before they can be used. Consider tweeting them at https://twitter.com/epa.

Does ZEGO Test for Chlorpyrifos?

Yes! We do and have since we introduced our purity testing back in 2018. You can see our results on our pesticide panels for each product on our Food Safety tab on our website, or by scanning the QR code on any of our packages. This is exactly the type of testing and transparency all brands should commit to. Why? Because if consumers aren’t informed about the prevalence of toxic residue in our agriculture system and on their food, they won’t have the information and inspiration to demand better. And, better is what we have to strive for every day.


Some of the information in this blog came from Wikipedia, which has extensive information on the history and toxicity of this chemical.

Colleen Kavanagh is the founder and CEO of ZEGO, a company that seeks to inspire changes in the food system so it better nourishes all people and our planet. She spent 20 years working to better nourish low-income children through improved public policies and programs, working for Congressman George Miller in Washington, DC and various anti-hunger nonprofits. She founded the nonprofit www.abettercourse.org. In 2013, she decided the only way to better nourish the most vulnerable is to leverage consumer demand through the marketplace to regenerating the food system and protect the most vulnerable. And that, lead to her starting ZEGO.

🎉 Back-to-School Giveaway Alert! 🎉⁠
It’s back-to-school season, and we’re celebrating with a special giveaway! One lucky winner will receive a 1-year Thrive Market membership + $50 credit to stock up on back-to-school essentials, including ZEGO’s Double Protein Oats, Mueslis, and Superfood Oatmeal blends—all with no added sugar! đŸ›’đŸ„Łâ 
⁠
Thrive Market makes it easy to find healthy, allergy-friendly options that are perfect for quick, nutritious breakfasts and snacks to keep you fueled throughout the busy school year. 🙌⁠
⁠
How to enter:⁠
1ïžâƒŁ Like this post⁠
2ïžâƒŁ Follow [@ZEGOFoods] and [@ThriveMarket]⁠
3ïžâƒŁ Tag a friend in the comments who loves healthy breakfasts! (As many as you like, each separate comment with a tag counts as an entry)⁠
4ïžâƒŁ Bonus entry: Share this post to your stories and tag us for an extra chance to win!⁠
⁠
Don’t forget to check our stories throughout the week for even more chances to win! The winner will be chosen and contacted via DM on 9/22, so don’t miss out on your chance to fill your pantry with ZEGO’s no-sugar-added, gluten-free essentials! đŸŽ’đŸœïžâ 
⁠
Good luck! 💚⁠
⁠
This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administrated, or associated with Instagram. Entrants must be over the age of 18.

42 96
đŸŒ± Why Farming Practices Matter⁠
At ZEGO, we believe how your food is grown is just as important as what’s in it. As our founder Colleen Kavanagh says:⁠
⁠
“Consumers need to be able to see the metrics for why farming practices make a difference in the health of their food.”⁠
⁠
That’s why we work with farmers who follow regenerative and purity protocol practices. Regenerative farming focuses on building healthy, living soil—rich with organic matter, microbes, and nutrients—so it can grow crops naturally higher in nutrition. Healthy soil also captures carbon, reduces erosion, and supports biodiversity, helping heal the planet while nourishing your body.⁠
⁠
And because transparency is key, every ZEGO package has a QR code so you can see our third-party lab test results for heavy metals, allergens, pesticides, and more.⁠
⁠
When you know the story of your food, you can choose options that are better for your health, the soil, and our shared future. đŸŒŸđŸ’š

16 2
Fiber: The Unsung Hero of Everyday Wellness đŸŒŸđŸ’Ș⁠
⁠
Sure, fiber helps with digestion—but that’s just the beginning. This mighty nutrient does a whole lot more for your body than you might think.⁠
⁠
✹ What makes fiber so powerful?⁠
đŸ„Ł Nourishes your gut with prebiotics to support a healthy microbiome⁠
❀ Supports heart health by helping manage cholesterol⁠
⚡ Helps you stay satisfied longer and supports steady energy⁠
🧠 Oat B-glucan fiber is linked to improved immune, brain, and gut health—yes, really!⁠
đŸ’« May even support healthy aging and longevity⁠
⁠
And guess what? Just one serving of our Organic Cinnamon Twist Muesli packs 5g of fiber—that’s 17% of your daily needs in one delicious bowl.⁠
⁠
💡 How to enjoy it:⁠
đŸ”„ As a warm, cozy oatmeal⁠
😋 Soaked overnight with your favorite milk⁠
đŸ„„ Crunchy cold cereal with fruit on top⁠
đŸȘ Baked into cookies, muffins, or fiber-boosted protein bites⁠
⁠
And with Purity Verified testing for over 500 toxins, you can trust that every bite is clean and safe.⁠
⁠
Your gut (and heart, and brain
) will thank you. 💚

9 1
📍Where’s ZEGO? We’ve landed in Rio Rancho, New Mexico! đŸŒ”

You can now find our Organic Double Protein Oats on shelves at Market Street — ready to power your breakfast with plant-based protein and zero added sugar.

đŸ„Ł Gluten-Free
đŸŒŸ Purity Verified for over 500 toxins (including glyphosate)
đŸ’Ș 2x the protein of traditional oats
đŸš« No nuts, free from the top allergens

Live nearby? Snap a pic when you spot us and tag @zegofoods — we’d love to see our oats in the wild!

8 1
🚜 Behind the Scenes in Montana! đŸ—ïžâ 
Come along for a look inside our new facility in Belgrade, Montana, where ZEGO is building a future for clean, allergy-friendly, organic, and regenerative grains.⁠
⁠
đŸŽ„ In today’s video, our founder Colleen walks you through the space we’re renovating — from the grain silos that hold oats, millet, and buckwheat, to the brand-new equipment we’ll use to clean, dehull, and process these ancient grains on site.⁠
⁠
This project is part of a USDA grant-funded initiative to bring small-grain processing to a region that desperately needs it. Right now, organic millet from nearby Wyoming is being buried because there’s no local way to prepare it for market. We’re changing that — for farmers, for the food system, and for you.⁠
⁠
âžĄïž Once up and running, this facility will help us maintain our standards while expanding access to gluten-free grains.⁠
⁠
💬 We’d love to hear what you think! What part of the tour surprised you most? Are there any ancient grains you’re excited to see us bring to market?⁠
⁠
Let us know in the comments below âŹ‡ïž

35 8
Blueberry Cookie Crumble Parfait đŸȘ🍇⁠
Looking for a refreshing way to beat the heat? This parfait layers coconut yogurt, juicy blueberries, and crumbled Blueberry Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies—made with our Blueberry Lemon Poppy Superfood Oatmeal Blend.⁠
⁠
These breakfast cookies are gluten-free, plant-based, and made with no added sugar—perfect for snacking or layering into something extra special like this! 🌿⁠
⁠

✹ Blueberry Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies⁠
Ingredients⁠
⁠
2 Œ cups ZEGO Blueberry Lemon Poppy Superfood Oatmeal Blend⁠
⁠
⅓ cup almond butter (or sunflower butter for nut-free)⁠
⁠
3-4 overripe bananas⁠
⁠
1 tsp vanilla extract⁠
⁠
Pinch of sea salt⁠
⁠
To Make⁠
⁠
Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment.⁠
⁠
Mix bananas, almond butter, and vanilla in a medium bowl.⁠
⁠
Stir in salt and ZEGO oatmeal blend until just combined.⁠
⁠
Scoop onto sheet with a large cookie scoop, flatten slightly with fork or spatula.⁠
⁠
Bake for 12–15 minutes. Let cool for 15 minutes before enjoying.⁠
⁠
Makes about 18 cookies.⁠
⁠
🌞 Pro tip: Make a batch and keep them in the freezer for quick snacks, lunchbox add-ins, or parfait layering all summer long.

10 2
✹ CUSTOMER LOVE ✹⁠
Jacqueline B. calls our Cinnamon Twist Muesli her go-to breakfast — and we get why!⁠
⁠
“This is the best tasting and healthiest muesli I have had. It’s also so nice to have something high protein in the morning and that I know is also free of dangerous chemicals like glyphosate.”⁠
⁠
Our Organic Cinnamon Twist Muesli is not only delicious and high in protein — it’s also Purity Verified, meaning we test it for glyphosate and over 500 other toxins.⁠
⁠
Enjoy it hot like oatmeal, cold like cereal, as overnight oats, or baked into homemade granola bars. However you serve it, you’ll know it’s clean, allergy-friendly, and made with your health in mind.⁠
⁠
đŸŒŸ Organic⁠
đŸš« Glyphosate-Free⁠
đŸ’Ș High Protein⁠
đŸ„Ł Gut-Friendly⁠
⁠

14 2
We’re excited to share the next chapter in our journey toward building a better, more transparent food system.⁠
⁠
Our founder Colleen is on-site in Belgrade, Montana to introduce you to the newest part of ZEGO’s story — our acquisition (with our sister company CIVC) of the Montana Gluten Free production facility.⁠
⁠
This move allows us to:⁠
đŸŒŸ Vertically integrate our production⁠
đŸ€ Support more allergy-friendly, gluten-free, and regenerative brands⁠
🏭 Expand our capacity while maintaining the same high standards you trust⁠
⁠
đŸŽ„ Watch the video to hear from Colleen and get a first look at the facility!⁠
⁠
And stay tuned — we’ll be sharing more behind-the-scenes videos in the coming weeks to give you a closer look at how your food is grown, processed, and packaged with care. 💚⁠
⁠
📍 Link in bio to read the full press release.

52 14
Trying to eat healthier?⁠
This new Washington Post article has smart, doable tips — and one of the big ones is about protein. 👇⁠
⁠
It’s not just how much protein you eat...⁠
it’s when you eat it that matters, too.⁠
⁠
💡 Remember, your body doesn’t store protein the way it stores carbs or fat. You’ve got to get enough every day—and that starts with the first meal.⁠
⁠
Most of us load up on protein at dinner and skimp on breakfast.⁠
But protein in the morning can help with:⁠
✔ Energy⁠
✔ Fewer cravings throughout the day⁠
✔ More stable blood sugar⁠
⁠
And here’s something many people don’t know:⁠
👉 Protein needs go up as we age.⁠
Our bodies get less efficient at using it, which makes it even more important to eat high-quality protein throughout the day.⁠
⁠
So what can you do?⁠
⁠
đŸŒ± Make some simple swaps and start your day with nutrient-dense, whole foods that naturally offer protein.⁠
⁠
We like using oats that are naturally higher in protein and fiber than typical varieties — they’re a great way to get more nutrition from the meals you already enjoy.⁠
⁠
đŸœ Tip: Add seeds, a scoop of protein powder, nut/seed butter, or your favorite milk to boost your breakfast protein even more.⁠
⁠
📖 Tap the link in our bio or check our stories to read the full article and learn how to optimize your protein intake at every age.⁠
⁠
https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2025/07/16/protein-how-much-do-i-need/

12 2
🌞 Mango Smoothie Bowl with a Crunch đŸŒŽđŸ„­â 
⁠
This vibrant mango smoothie bowl gets a major upgrade with a sprinkle of our Organic Cinnamon Twist Muesli on top — and it’s more than just a pretty garnish.⁠
⁠
Here’s why our muesli is the perfect smoothie bowl topper:⁠
✹ Made with a special variety of oats that naturally deliver more protein, iron, and fiber⁠
đŸŒ± Packed with crunchy seeds instead of nuts — making it safe for those with nut allergies⁠
💧 Eco-friendly — seeds require 90% less water to grow than tree nuts⁠
⁠
Delicious, nutritious, allergy-friendly, and better for the planet? That’s a topping you can feel good about.⁠
⁠
👉 What’s your favorite smoothie bowl combo? Tell us below or tag us in your creation — we’d love to see how you muesli!

8 1
Where’s ZEGO? Fairfax, VA đŸŒ±â 
We’re proud to be on shelves at MOM’s Organic Market—a grocery store as passionate about sustainability as we are.⁠
⁠
From their compostable produce bags to their support of organic farming, MOM’s is leading the way toward a healthier planet. And now you can find our Organic Double Protein Oatmeal and Organic Muesli in their aisles too.⁠
⁠
Our oats are grown with care for both your body and the earth—using purity-tested, organic practices that go beyond the standard.⁠
⁠
If you’re in the Fairfax area, stop by MOM’s and grab a bag (or two) of ZEGO. Let’s grow something good together. đŸŒŸâ™»ïž

12 1
Sweet, chewy, and bursting with berry flavor!⁠
⁠
These no-bake bites are a powerhouse of plant-based nutrition—made with our Cinnamon Twist Muesli and Pure Plant Protein, plus chia seeds and crushed freeze-dried strawberries for a delicious, allergy-friendly snack.⁠
⁠
 The strawberries add a huge flavor burst and just the right amount of crunch!⁠🍓⁠
⁠
Strawberry Crunch Protein Balls ⁠
gluten-free, nut-free, and top allergen-free.⁠
⁠
✹ Ingredients:⁠
▫2 tbsp ZEGO Pure Plant Protein⁠
▫1 cup ZEGO Cinnamon Twist Muesli⁠
▫œ cup sunflower seed butter⁠
▫Œ cup maple syrup⁠
▫1 cup crushed freeze-dried strawberries⁠
▫Œ cup mini white chocolate chips⁠
▫2 tbsp chia seeds⁠
▫Splash of vanilla extract⁠
⁠
Mix sunflower seed butter, maple syrup, vanilla, protein powder, and chia seeds until smooth. Stir in the muesli, strawberries, and chocolate chips. Chill the mixture for 30 minutes, then roll into balls.⁠
⁠
🧊 These protein balls will be at their crunchiest when freshly made but you can store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.⁠
⁠
Would you use white chocolate chips or dark chocolate in yours? đŸ«đŸ‘‡â 
⁠

14 1
📱 Big news from ZEGO! We’re excited to share a major development in the organic and regenerative gluten-free and allergy-friendly food space. đŸŒ±â 
⁠
ZEGO, a pioneer in purity-tested foods, is collaborating with a new venture, CIVC LLC, to acquire the Montana Gluten Free Processors (MGFP) facility in Belgrade, MT. This strategic move expands ZEGO’s capacity and strengthens the mid-tier supply chain for value-added oats and ancient grains in the United States. ⁠
⁠
Here’s what this means:⁠
⁠
đŸ€ Mission-Driven Collaboration⁠
CIVC is more than a facility—it’s a new model for farmer support, transparency, and equity in the food system.⁠
⁠
✹ Allergen- & Corn-Free Co-Packing⁠
The upgraded facility will offer co-manufacturing in a certified gluten-free, allergen-controlled, glyphosate-free environment—ideal for better-for-you and wellness brands.⁠
⁠
đŸŒŸ Support for Regenerative & Organic Crops⁠
We’re strengthening the supply chain to help rotational crops thrive and give farmers more sustainable options.⁠
⁠
🔍 Purity Verification You Can Trust⁠
ZEGO’s industry-first transparency platform will extend to CIVC’s co-packing clients, supporting consumer trust in the value of organic and regenerative certifications. ⁠
⁠
🚜 Backed by USDA Grant Support⁠
Thanks to a 2024 Organic Market Development Grant, we’re investing in top-tier upgrades for quality, capacity, and traceability.⁠
⁠
This is just the beginning. đŸ’Ș⁠
Head to the blog to read the full press release 👉 [link in bio]

34 9
Celebrating the life and legacy of Andrew Kassoy, co-founder of B Lab⁠
⁠
Andrew’s work changed the way we think about business. He firmly believed that industry leaders must be responsible, recognizing that businesses have a duty to care, serve, and contribute to building a better world.That idea sits at the heart of the B Corp movement, and it’s a belief we hold tightly at ZEGO.⁠
⁠
“Capitalism was built on the idea of carelessness
 people should build wealth for themselves and that other people didn’t matter. 
 (Your business is) not just here to do good, you’re here to care.”⁠
— Andrew Kassoy, co-founder of B Lab⁠
⁠
As a certified B Corporation, we are proud to be part of the movement Andrew helped create—one that puts people, planet, and purpose at the core of what we do. His legacy lives on through every business working to be a force for good, and his words continue to challenge us to lead with care and courage.⁠
⁠
“In a time when so many people are careless, and so many people lack moral courage, it’s up to us to double down on care and courage. And that’s a hell of a lot easier, and a hell of a lot more powerful, if we do it together.”⁠
⁠
Andrew, thank you for showing us what’s possible. Your vision will continue to inspire us and so many others to build a better, more compassionate future.

9 0
We’re so inspired by the work the Orangevale-Fair Oaks Food Bank is doing to support their community—and especially moved by thoughtful volunteers like Gavin. 💚

Gavin, a high school student, saw a need for more allergy-friendly options at the food bank and took action, reaching out to companies like ours to help fill the gap. As someone with a peanut allergy himself, he understan firsthand how important safe, inclusive food is.

Thanks to Gavin’s advocacy, families served by the food bank now have access to gluten-free, top-allergen-free oatmeal from ZEGO and other allergy-safe staples. đŸ„ŁđŸŒ±

Thank you, Gavin, for using your voice to make a difference—and thank you to the whole Orangevale-Fair Oaks Food Bank team for all you do!

Want to support the food bank? Visit their page at https://www.ovfofb.org/volunteer to learn more!

6 0
“Essentially, all life depends upon the soil ... There can be no life without soil and no soil without life; they have evolved together.”⁠
— Charles E. Kellogg, USDA Yearbook of Agriculture, 1938⁠
⁠
At ZEGO, we believe that truly clean food starts with healthy soil.⁠
That’s why our commitment to transparency and nourishment begins before the seed is planted.⁠
⁠
We work with farmers who grow crops in ways that regenerate the soil, protect ecosystems, and produce nutrient-rich food—without harmful chemicals or shortcuts.⁠
⁠
Because when we take care of the soil, it takes care of us. đŸŒ±

8 1

Leave a Comment

Shopping Cart
Scroll to Top