The EPA approved 3 new PFAS pesticides — and one has already raised cancer questions

By Stacey Leasca | Food & Wine | July 15, 2026

Read the full article by Stacey Leasca (Food & Wine)

"There are three new pesticides coming for American crops.

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) quietly approved three pesticides containing PFAS, commonly known as “forever chemicals,” for use on crops. The approved chemicals, EWG added, include one scientists have already flagged as potentially carcinogenic. Here’s what you need to know about the newly approved pesticides.

What was recently approved by the EPA?

According to EWG’s July 13 analysis, the EPA approved trifludimoxazin, diflufenican, and epyrifenacil, all of which are PFAS-based pesticides. The chemicals, it added, can now be sprayed on staple crops, including wheat and citrus. Trifludimoxazin is particularly concerning to the group because its own data shows “suggestive evidence of carcinogenic potential.”

However, this wasn’t the only move the EPA made. According to EWG, it also expanded the approved uses of bifenthrin, a PFAS pesticide that the EPA had already classified as a possible human carcinogen."