Are PFAS in produce a thing we should worry about?
Yes. Plants pull PFAS from soil and irrigation water. Some crops concentrate them.
What's actually in it
Farms that get watered with PFAS-contaminated groundwater or fertilized with sewage sludge can build up PFAS in soil. Plants then take up PFAS through roots. Some plants soak up more: leafy greens, herbs, and some root vegetables.
What the research says
A 2026 review in J Agric Food Chem mapped how food plants take up PFAS. The biggest contributors to dietary PFAS are leafy greens grown on contaminated farms and grains used in processed foods. The contribution is small for most people, but it adds up for daily veggie eaters living in PFAS hot spots.
You don't have to swear off greens. Wash and chop produce with the outer leaves removed. If you garden in an area with known PFAS contamination, get a soil test from your state extension office. Buy from farms in cleaner regions when possible. Pair veggies with filtered water rather than tap water in places with PFAS in the supply.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Potential of Food Plants to Contribute to Human Intake of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances | J Agric Food Chem | 2026 |
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