How prevalent are PFAS pesticide residues on common fruits like peaches and plums?

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Nine in Ten Peaches and Plums in the US May Contain PFAS Pesticide Residues

Recent analyses suggest that a significant majority of common fruits, specifically peaches and plums purchased in the United States, are likely to carry residues from highly toxic PFAS pesticides. This widespread presence indicates a substantial level of contamination within these popular produce items.
Widespread Contamination in Produce

A scientist from the Environmental Working Group, Varun Subramaniam, conducted an analysis of produce samples and stated that if one were to purchase ten peaches or plums at random in the US, there is a high probability that nine of them would contain residues of these PFAS pesticides. This statistic highlights the pervasive nature of these chemical residues in commonly consumed fruits.
Breakdown Products and Health Concerns

Many of these PFAS pesticides can degrade into trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), a substance now found ubiquitously in global drinking water supplies. The European Union's food safety agency recently reduced the acceptable daily intake level for TFA, and the European Chemicals Agency has classified it as toxic to reproduction based on animal studies, underscoring the potential health risks associated with these chemicals and their breakdown products.
Regulatory Definitions and Pesticide Approvals

The prevalence of PFAS residues on produce is linked to differing regulatory definitions and the approval of new pesticides. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has adopted a narrower definition of PFAS compared to the broader definition used by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and many US states. Under the Trump administration, five such pesticides were approved, with the EPA asserting that these substances are reviewed and can be less toxic than alternatives, while also noting their registration or proposed use in other global regions.

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How prevalent are PFAS pesticide residues on common fruits like peaches and plums?

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