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What You Need to Know About PFAS in Driscoll's Strawberries in 2024

Driscoll's, the world's largest berry company, is facing multiple lawsuits alleging that its strawberries contain elevated levels of PFAS—industrial chemicals linked to health concerns. If you buy these berries, here's what the allegations mean and what you should know.

What's happening with Driscoll's strawberries?

According to reporting from SFGATE, Driscoll's has been sued by multiple parties who claim testing found PFAS in the company's strawberries sold in California and elsewhere. The plaintiffs allege the company engaged in "greenwashing"—marketing products as safer or more sustainable than they actually are—while knowingly selling berries contaminated with these persistent chemicals.

The lawsuits suggest Driscoll's failed to disclose PFAS contamination to consumers. PFAS are synthetic chemicals used in hundreds of industrial and consumer products. They don't break down naturally in the environment or the human body, which is why scientists and regulators consider them a growing public health concern.

Who is affected and why does this matter?

Anyone who has purchased Driscoll's strawberries—especially regular consumers—may be affected. Strawberries are one of the most frequently purchased fresh fruits in America, and Driscoll's controls roughly one-third of the U.S. berry market.

PFAS contamination in food is significant because:

• Bioaccumulation: PFAS build up in your body over time and are difficult to eliminate. Regular consumption through food could increase your exposure.
• Multiple sources: You're likely exposed to PFAS from drinking water, food packaging, and other sources. Contaminated produce adds another pathway.
• Health associations: Research has associated PFAS exposure with elevated cholesterol, thyroid disease, kidney cancer, and testicular cancer, though causation has not been definitively proven. The CDC and EPA consider some PFAS compounds of significant health concern.

The "greenwashing" allegation is particularly troubling because it suggests consumers who believed they were making a healthy choice may have unknowingly increased their PFAS intake.

How do PFAS get into strawberries?

PFAS typically enter the food supply through contaminated water or soil used in agriculture. Strawberries are especially vulnerable because they're grown close to the ground and in soil that may contain PFAS from industrial activity, landfills, wastewater, or biosolids used as fertilizer. Once in soil or water, PFAS can be absorbed by plant roots.

California has a significant strawberry industry, and some agricultural regions have documented PFAS in groundwater and soil. This makes the allegations against a California-based company particularly relevant to the state's growing PFAS awareness.

What you should do right now

Monitor for updates: These lawsuits are ongoing. Check news sources and the company's statements for developments. Driscoll's has not publicly acknowledged the allegations or provided test results.

Don't panic, but be informed: One serving of strawberries is unlikely to cause immediate harm. However, if you're a regular Driscoll's consumer, consider reducing consumption or switching brands while more information becomes available.

Diversify your produce sources: Buy strawberries from different brands and growers. This reduces your exposure to any single source's potential contamination and supports market alternatives.

Wash produce thoroughly: While washing doesn't remove PFAS (they're absorbed into the fruit), it can reduce surface dirt and other contaminants.

Check your water: If you live in California or another agricultural region, consider testing your drinking water for PFAS. Your local water utility should provide information on any detected PFAS. You can also use our PFAS-affected water finder to learn more about contamination in your area.

Stay informed about regulations: The EPA and state regulators are increasing oversight of PFAS in food and agriculture. California has been particularly active in setting drinking water standards and investigating PFAS in crops. New rules or advisories may emerge as this issue develops.

Why Driscoll's specifically?

Driscoll's is the world's largest berry company and the dominant supplier of fresh berries in North America. Its size makes it a high-profile target for litigation and gives the lawsuits greater visibility and potential impact. However, this doesn't mean PFAS contamination is unique to Driscoll's—other berry growers and produce may also be affected. The company's alleged marketing of its products as premium or sustainable, combined with contamination claims, is what raises the greenwashing concern.

Bottom Line

Driscoll's strawberries are facing lawsuits alleging PFAS contamination and deceptive marketing. While eating a few strawberries won't cause immediate harm, PFAS accumulate over time and have been associated with several health concerns. Until more information emerges, consider varying your produce sources and staying informed about regulatory developments. This situation highlights the broader issue of PFAS in agriculture—a concern that extends beyond one company.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Driscoll's strawberries definitely contaminated?

The lawsuits allege contamination, but the cases are ongoing. Driscoll's has not publicly confirmed or released testing data. Until litigation concludes or regulatory testing is completed, the contamination level remains unconfirmed. We recommend following court filings and official regulatory statements for verified information.

Should I completely stop buying Driscoll's strawberries?

That's a personal decision. If you eat them occasionally, the immediate risk is lower. If you're a regular consumer—especially if you have children or are pregnant—consider switching brands or reducing frequency while more information becomes available. Diversifying your produce sources is a practical approach.

Is there a way to remove PFAS from strawberries?

No practical home method removes PFAS from produce. They're absorbed into the fruit itself. Cooking doesn't eliminate them either. The best approach is source reduction: choose different brands, support growers in unaffected areas, and consume a varied diet to limit exposure from any single source.

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