Cancer-causing toxins found in America's favorite strawberry brand

"Consumer watchdog Mamavation purchased two containers of Driscoll's strawberries, one organic and one conventional, from a Southern California grocery store and sent them to an EPA-certified laboratory for testing of more than 500 pesticides. Haereticus Environmental Laboratory, based in Virginia, reportedly detected residues of 12 different pesticides on the conventional strawberries. Approximately eight were identified as PFAS-linked pesticides or related fluorinated compounds, often referred to as 'forever chemicals' because some can persist in the environment and the human body for years."

"While many of the detected residues appear to fall within current US federal tolerance levels, the report alleged several exceeded stricter international standards and raised concerns about cumulative exposure to PFAS-linked pesticides. Mamavation said some of the detected residue levels exceeded limits used in the European Union, Taiwan, Chile, Korea and Russia. However, the specific organic strawberry samples tested in the investigation reportedly showed no detectable pesticide or PFAS residues."

"Driscoll's takes seriously and closely follows scientific best practices and regulatory guidance on research related to food-safety risks. Driscoll's and our independent grower partners operate in full compliance with applicable US federal, state and local pesticide and food-safety regulations, including frequent oversight by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Department of Pesticide Regulation. All Driscoll's growers also undergo third-party audits by independent auditors to help provide transparency and ensure they are using safe agricultural practices at each stage of production."

Mamavation bought organic and conventional Driscoll's strawberry containers from a Southern California grocery store and tested them for more than 500 pesticides at an EPA-certified laboratory. Haereticus Environmental Laboratory reported residues of 12 pesticides on the conventional strawberries. About eight were described as PFAS-linked pesticides or related fluorinated compounds, sometimes called “forever chemicals” due to persistence in the environment and the human body. Some residues were reported to be within US federal tolerance levels, but several were said to exceed stricter international standards. The findings raised concerns about cumulative exposure to PFAS-linked pesticides. The organic strawberry samples reportedly showed no detectable pesticide or PFAS residues. Driscoll's stated it follows scientific best practices and complies with US pesticide and food-safety regulations, including EPA and California oversight and third-party audits.

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