EPA Sewage Sludge PFAS Assessment Change: What Does It Mean for Food Safety in 2026?

The Environmental Protection Agency is scrapping its earlier scientific review of "forever chemicals" found in fertilizer made from treated sewage sludge, according to a report from WRAL. The move has alarmed environmental advocates and some farmers, who worry it could weaken oversight of a substance already linked to contaminated farmland in several states.

What happened with the EPA's PFAS sludge assessment?

According to WRAL, the EPA is replacing a prior risk assessment that examined how per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) — often called "forever chemicals" because they persist in the environment for decades — move through sewage sludge that's later spread on farmland as fertilizer. This sludge, known technically as "biosolids," is a byproduct of wastewater treatment and has been used for years as a low-cost soil amendment across U.S. agriculture.

The EPA had previously signaled, in a draft risk assessment, that PFAS in biosolids could pose health risks to people who eat food, drink water, or consume meat and dairy from farms where contaminated sludge was applied. WRAL reports that critics see the agency's decision to replace or revise that assessment as a step backward, arguing it removes or delays a scientific foundation that could have led to stricter limits on PFAS in fertilizer products.

The EPA has not disputed that PFAS are present in sludge-based fertilizers; the disagreement is over how the agency measures and communicates the associated risk going forward.

Who is affected by this decision?

Several groups have a stake in how this plays out:

• Farmers who use or have used biosolid fertilizer, some of whom have already reported contaminated soil, water, or livestock in states including Maine, Michigan, and Texas.
• Consumers who buy meat, dairy, produce, or eggs grown on or near treated farmland.
• Rural communities whose private wells sit near fields where biosolids are applied.
• Wastewater utilities that produce and distribute biosolids as a low-cost disposal and revenue option.

Environmental groups quoted in the WRAL report say the EPA's shift could slow federal action on limiting PFAS in fertilizer, leaving states to set their own, inconsistent standards in the meantime.

Why does this matter for "forever chemicals" exposure?

PFAS are a large family of manufactured chemicals used for decades in nonstick cookware, firefighting foam, water-resistant fabrics, and industrial processes. Because they break down extremely slowly, they can build up in soil, water, and the food chain over time.

Scientific studies have associated certain PFAS compounds with a range of health concerns, including changes in cholesterol levels, immune response, and increased risk of some cancers. It's important to note these are observed associations from population studies, not proof that PFAS directly causes any specific illness in a given individual. Research is ongoing, and risk depends heavily on the level and duration of exposure.

Biosolid fertilizer is one of several pathways PFAS can enter the food and water supply, alongside industrial discharge, firefighting foam use near airports and military bases, and certain consumer products. When the EPA's risk assessments change, it can directly affect whether — and how quickly — the agency sets enforceable limits on PFAS in fertilizer, wastewater discharge, or drinking water.

What should consumers and farmers do now?

While the regulatory picture is unsettled, there are practical steps people can take to reduce uncertainty around their own exposure:

• Test your water. If you rely on a private well, especially near farmland that may have used biosolid fertilizer, consider a certified lab test for PFAS.
• Ask about sourcing. If you buy directly from local farms, it's reasonable to ask whether biosolid fertilizer has been used and whether soil testing has been done.
• Check state guidance. Some states, including Maine and Michigan, have already restricted or banned biosolid spreading due to PFAS contamination; check your state's agriculture or environmental agency for local rules.
• Use a filter suited to PFAS. Not all water filters remove these chemicals effectively. You can compare options in our PFAS water filter finder to find models tested for PFAS reduction.
• Understand how testing works. Our testing methodology guide explains how PFAS levels are measured and what different results mean in practical terms.

None of these steps guarantee zero exposure, but they can help lower your overall contact with PFAS from water and food sources while regulations catch up with the science.

Bottom Line

The EPA's decision to replace its sewage sludge PFAS risk assessment, as reported by WRAL, has reopened debate over how much oversight is needed for fertilizer made from treated wastewater. Farms that use biosolids, and the communities near them, may face continued uncertainty about PFAS levels in soil, water, and food until a new federal assessment is finalized. Consumers can't rely on federal rules alone right now — testing water, asking questions about farm inputs, and using verified filtration are reasonable, lower-concern steps while regulatory clarity develops.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this mean biosolid fertilizer is unsafe to use?

Not necessarily. The EPA has not stated that all biosolid fertilizer is unsafe; rather, the agency is changing how it evaluates the risk PFAS in sludge may pose. Contamination levels vary widely depending on the wastewater source, so risk should be considered farm-by-farm rather than assumed universally.

Can I tell if my food was grown with PFAS-contaminated fertilizer?

Usually not from packaging alone. Some states require soil testing disclosures for farms using biosolids, but this isn't universal. Asking your local farm or supplier directly is currently one of the most reliable ways to get information.

What is the EPA expected to do next?

According to WRAL's reporting, the EPA is working on a replacement assessment, though a timeline for finalized regulations on PFAS in biosolids has not been confirmed. Advocacy groups say they will continue pushing for enforceable limits.