PFAS on California Produce
Forty percent of California produce tested positive for PFAS ‘forever chemicals,’ with peaches, strawberries and grapes showing contamination most often — a new analysis out today. That raises fresh questions about cumulative exposure from fruit even though experts say other sources (water, cookware) often pose larger risks. (theguardian.com)
The Environmental Working Group reviewed the California Department of Pesticide Regulation’s 2023 residue‑monitoring dataset, which comprised 930 samples across 78 conventionally grown produce types. (ewg.org)) Analysts reported 17 distinct PFAS pesticide residues detected on 40 different crops, and the fungicide fludioxonil was found in more than 90% of sampled nectarines, plums and peaches. (ewg.org)) EWG’s review also flagged that 785 PFAS‑containing pesticide products were applied in California in 2023 and that PFAS pesticide use has been estimated at roughly 2.5 million pounds annually across about 58 counties. (ewg.org)) Assembly Bill 1603, introduced by Assemblymember Nick Schultz (D–Burbank), would pause state approvals of new PFAS pesticides, require label and permit disclosures starting January 1, 2028, ban 23 PFAS pesticides already prohibited in the EU beginning January 1, 2030, and phase out all PFAS pesticides by January 1, 2035. (trackbill.com)) California’s Department of Pesticide Regulation said it conducts pre‑registration evaluations and operates the annual residue‑monitoring program that generated the 2023 test data used in the analysis. (cdpr.ca.gov)) Federal and academic sources point to other major PFAS exposure pathways beyond produce—contaminated drinking water, legacy firefighting foams, and nonstick cookware are documented contributors to population PFAS body burdens. (epa.gov))
