The Center for Biological Diversity, an activist group, has provided the Environmental Protection Agency with data suggesting that commercial pesticides used in agriculture are contaminated with toxic PFAS (per- and polyfluroalkyl substances), compounds that are characterized by environmental persistence and toxicity. PFAS compounds added to pesticides are absorbed by target crops ultimately entering the food supply chain. Pesticide runoff contaminates streams and ground water. It is presumed that PFAS compounds are added to pesticides to enhance adherence and efficacy on target crops.

Dr. Nathan Donnley, Environmental Whole Science Director for the CBD stated, “The EPA has to take control of the situation and remove pesticide products that are contaminated with these extremely dangerous persistent chemicals.”

Assays showed PFAS compounds in three out of seven agricultural pesticides that are commonly used. A total of 1.7 million pounds of Entrepid 2F were applied to over 1.3 million acres of California cropland in 2021.  This chemical was used on almonds, grapes, peaches and pistachios. PFAS chemicals were also identified in Oberon 2 SC, a malathion-based insecticide.

The Food and Drug Administration has monitored PFAS levels in food since 2019 but has not set limits for any of the approximately 15,000 compounds within the class.