A study by the Pesticide Action Network has found PFAS chemical pesticides in many common UK foods.
The Pesticide Action Network UK (a Sustain alliance member) has analysed data from the UK government’s residue testing programme and detected 10 different PFAS pesticides in UK foods. The foods found to have PFAS pesticide residues when tested include grapes, cherries, spices, spinach and tomatoes. However, strawberries contained the most residues, with 95% of samples tested contained PFAS pesticides.
PFAS are a group of chemicals, also known as ‘forever chemicals’, that have been found to persist for decades or longer in the tissue, blood and bones of living organisms, including humans. In peer-reviewed research PFAS have been linked to health problems including, cancer, decreases in fertility and interference with the immune system. They are particularly concerning for children, where exposure may lead to developmental delays and accelerated puberty.
While PFAS are usually found in non-stick cookware, they also appear in some pesticides. There are currently 25 PFAS pesticides in use in the UK, six of which are classified as ‘highly hazardous’. Furthermore, farmers may not be aware that the pesticide they are using contains PFAS, as they may not appear on the label.
Nick Mole Policy Officer at Pesticide Action Network UK has said:
‘Pesticides are the only chemicals that are designed to be toxic and then released intentionally into the environment. Despite this, the UK government’s much-delayed plans for limiting the negative impacts of PFAS focus solely on industrial chemicals, ignoring pesticides entirely. PFAS pesticides are absolutely unnecessary for growing food and are an easily avoidable source of PFAS pollution.’
Kiloran O'Leary Programme Officer for Bridging the Gap has said:
'This report is very concerning. Everyone has the right to enjoy a healthy, just and sustainable food system. At Bridging the Gap we believe everyone should have the right to enjoy pesticide free food and our pilots are demonstrating how that can be made possible.'
Pesticide Action Network UK is calling on the government to ban the 25 PFAS pesticides in use in the UK and to support farmers to reduce their reliance on pesticides. They are also supporting calls to work towards a PFAS-free economy by 2035.
Published Thursday 11 April 2024
Sustain: Sustain The alliance for better food and farming advocates food and agriculture policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare of people and animals, improve the working and living environment, enrich society and culture and promote equity.
