The EPA has approved a new pesticide that contains PFAS, or 'forever chemicals', to be used on vegetables like lettuce, broccoli and potatoes.

Recent reports from several major news outlets and environmental policy sources indicate that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved pesticides containing PFAS compounds, specifically cyclobutrifluram and isocycloseram, for agricultural use on food crops such as romaine lettuce, broccoli, and potatoes. These pesticides are classified as 'forever chemicals' due to their persistent nature in the environment.

The EPA justified these approvals under existing regulatory frameworks like FIFRA, citing label restrictions intended to mitigate health risks. However, these approvals have sparked controversy and criticism from scientists, environmental groups, and activists concerned about potential health and environmental impacts. The EPA has also been reported to be relaxing certain reporting requirements related to PFAS use.

The approval process and definitions of PFAS have been points of contention, with some sources noting a narrower EPA definition adopted in 2023 that influences regulatory decisions. Overall, the evidence clearly supports that the EPA has authorized new PFAS-containing pesticides for use on vegetables including lettuce, broccoli, and potatoes.