US Chemical Giant Cancels Pesticide Linked to Cancer Risks

Corteva Agriscience ends legal battle over herbicide Enlist Duo after years of litigation

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Corteva Agriscience, a major pesticide manufacturer, has announced it will stop production and sales of its herbicide Enlist Duo, which contains chemicals 2,4-D and glyphosate that have been linked to cancer and other health risks. The decision comes after years of legal challenges from the Center for Food Safety, which argued the EPA's approval of the herbicide was illegal due to the health and environmental dangers.

Why it matters

This decision marks a victory for environmental advocates who have raised concerns about the Trump administration's embrace of pesticides, despite campaign promises to protect Americans from "harmful chemicals." The cancellation of Enlist Duo is seen as an important step in limiting the use of pesticides linked to cancer and other serious health issues.

The details

Enlist Duo is a blend of 2,4-D and glyphosate, two chemicals that have been associated with cancer, other health problems, and environmental damage. The Center for Food Safety (CFS) has been challenging the EPA's approval of Enlist Duo since 2015, arguing the agency failed to properly evaluate the risks. CFS filed a motion last year arguing the re-approval was illegal due to these dangers. Corteva Agriscience cited declining demand as the reason for cancelling Enlist Duo, though it will continue selling Enlist One, which contains only 2,4-D.

  • Enlist Duo was first approved by the EPA in 2014, despite opposition from environmental groups.
  • CFS first challenged the approval of Enlist Duo in 2015.
  • CFS filed a motion for summary judgment against the EPA's re-approval of Enlist Duo in 2022.

The players

Corteva Agriscience

A major pesticide manufacturer that has announced it will stop production and sales of the herbicide Enlist Duo.

Center for Food Safety (CFS)

An environmental advocacy group that has been challenging the EPA's approval of Enlist Duo since 2015, arguing it poses health and environmental risks.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The federal agency responsible for regulating pesticides, which initially approved Enlist Duo despite concerns raised by CFS and others.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“EPA should have properly evaluated all the potential effects of Enlist Duo before approving it, as required under [the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)]. EPA also should have ensured that its mitigation measures actually addressed all the potential effects of this herbicide. Instead, EPA's mitigation measures threaten to exacerbate the adverse effects of Enlist products, causing more harm to the environment and public health.”

— Kristina Sinclair, Attorney, Center for Food Safety (Newsweek)

What’s next

The Center for Food Safety says its "fight against 'Enlist One' continues," as the group is still suing the EPA over its approval of that herbicide, which also contains 2,4-D and poses similar health and environmental risks.

The takeaway

This decision to cancel Enlist Duo is a significant win for environmental advocates who have long warned about the dangers of pesticides like 2,4-D and glyphosate. It highlights the ongoing tensions between the chemical industry, regulators, and public health/environmental groups over the use of potentially harmful pesticides.