Toxic Pfas residue identified on 37% of California produce, new analysis finds

Boxes of California-grown strawberries are stacked up at a farmers market on 13 June 2012 in San Francisco, California. Photograph: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

A first-of-its-kind analysis has identified Pfas pesticide residues on 37% of conventional California produce, with peaches, strawberries and grapes almost always found to be contaminated with the toxic “forever chemicals”.

The analysis coincided with the introduction of California legislation that would by 2035 fully ban Pfas from being used as active ingredients in pesticides, and require warning labels and other restrictions in the meantime.