Effective February 28th application of chlorpyrifos to food crops will not be allowed.  The Environmental Protection Agency has revoked all tolerances for the insecticide and rejected all objections, requests for hearings and stays relating to the Final Rule.

This action was based on the inability of the EPA to establish tolerance levels for the insecticide and accordingly the use of the insecticide in food production is banned under Section 408 (d) of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act 21 U.S.C. 346 (d).  There is extensive scientific data implicating chlorpyrifos in adverse neuro-developmental effects in infants, children and fetuses.  The decision to revoke the registration of chlopyrifos will affect cultivation of soybeans, sugar beets and cherries among other crops.