Warning! PFAS Found on Strawberries, Lettuce, and Grapes from the Supermarket

If you regularly buy strawberries, lettuce, or grapes, there’s more in your shopping basket than just vitamins. Recent research reveals that many of these popular fruits and vegetables contain residues of PFAS pesticides.

Shockingly High Numbers

Strawberries are the worst offenders: PFAS were detected in no less than 67% of test samples. Lettuce follows at 62%, and grapes at 52%. These alarming statistics come from the Pesticide Action Network Netherlands (PAN-NL), which analyzed the latest data from the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA). Thousands of fruit and vegetable tests, executed between 2021 and 2023, paint a worrying picture.

What are PFAS and Why Are They So Dangerous?

PFAS is the collective name for a group of chemical substances that barely break down in the environment. That's why they are often called “forever chemicals”. These substances accumulate in humans and nature, and can cause serious health risks. These include cancer, immune system impairment, hormonal disruption, and fertility problems. PFAS are also extremely toxic for animals and aquatic life.

Currently, more than 30 PFAS-based pesticides are still allowed in the European Union. This means that farmers can legally use them in growing produce. PFAS compounds can be the main agent, but also help pesticides stick to plant leaves or serve as foam agents.

Which Products Contain PFAS?

The PAN-NL analysis shows that about one in five types of produce from the supermarket contained traces of PFAS. Strawberries, lettuce, and grapes were the most contaminated, but other vegetables and fruits sometimes had small traces too.

There's some good news: several types of produce—such as asparagus, red cabbage, cauliflower, pointed cabbage, Brussels sprouts, fennel, and pineapple—tested completely clean. These are safer choices if you want to minimize exposure.

How Does PFAS End Up on Produce?

The NVWA annually samples produce from stores and distribution centers, testing for pesticide residues. PFAS usually end up on fruits and vegetables through the use of these contaminated pesticides. While there is a European proposal to largely ban PFAS, pesticides regulations are still a separate—and often more lenient—regime. As a result, PFAS-based pesticides continue to be used in agriculture and can end up in the food chain.

Scientific Warnings About PFAS

It's not only environmental organizations who are sounding the alarm—authorities are speaking out as well. For instance, the German government recently classified trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), a PFAS breakdown product, as toxic for reproduction. TFA can have detrimental effects during pregnancy and on child development.

PAN-NL calls for urgent action and a ban on any substance that breaks down into TFA. They argue PFAS pesticides must be removed from the market as soon as possible to protect people and the environment.

Past Studies Show Contamination Is Increasing

Earlier studies by PAN Europe showed contamination with PFAS pesticides has increased steadily from 2011 to 2021, both in the Netherlands and across Europe. Dutch fruit and vegetables are, on average, more contaminated than imported ones. This rising trend highlights that current measures are insufficient, and consumers are increasingly exposed.

What Can You Do as a Consumer?

It’s almost impossible to eat completely PFAS-free while these substances are still allowed in farming. However, you can reduce your exposure by:

• Choosing organic products (strongly limits use of synthetic pesticides)
• Varying your fruits and vegetables, picking those confirmed PFAS-free, such as cauliflower, red cabbage, or pineapple
• Checking the PesticidenEetwijzer from PAN-NL for the latest on pesticide residues in produce

Conclusion: Time for Action Against PFAS in Food

The fact that everyday supermarket fruits and vegetables contain PFAS is a clear sign that current policy is failing to protect public health. Despite the well-known risks, PFAS pesticides remain allowed in agriculture. While individual consumers can make informed choices, only stronger legislation and a full ban will ensure our food is clean and safe for everyone.

Food should nourish—not harm—our health.

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