Over 30% of non-organic U.S. fruit and vegetables have PFAS pesticide residues

EWG | March 24, 2026

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"Over one-third of non-organic, or conventionally grown, fruit and vegetable samples tested positive for at least one of 31 pesticides containing the “forever chemicals” known as PFAS, a new EWG analysis finds.

Millions of people throughout the U.S. are routinely exposed to pesticides, some of which are PFAS, on everyday produce, raising questions about potential long-term health harms. That’s a particular concern for children, pregnant people and others who are more susceptible to possible health risks, because some well-studied and particularly toxic PFAS are known to increase the risk of cancer and cause other health problems.

Some fruits carry higher amounts than others, based on EWG’s analysis of Agriculture Department produce testing data. More than half of the USDA samples of peaches, plums, nectarines and pears carried residues of a specific PFAS pesticide, the fungicide fludioxonil, which may harm the liver, hormones and nervous system, based on findings from animal studies."

This content provided by the PFAS Project.