California Bill Aims to Ban 'Forever Chemicals' in Pesticides Used on Food Crops

Proposed legislation would phase out PFAS pesticides by 2035 amid concerns over health risks.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 9:33pm

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A glowing, vibrant neon outline of a pesticide spray nozzle against a dark background, conceptually representing the use of PFAS chemicals in California agriculture.A new California bill seeks to ban the use of 'forever chemicals' in pesticides sprayed on the state's food crops.Today in Sacramento

A new California bill, AB 1603, would ban the use of PFAS-based pesticides on food crops by 2035. The Environmental Working Group says nearly 40% of non-organic produce grown in the state already contains at least one of these 'forever chemicals', which have been linked to a range of health issues.

Why it matters

PFAS chemicals, which do not easily break down, have been found in a significant portion of California's produce and pose potential risks to human health, including altered immune and thyroid function, liver and kidney disease, reproductive problems, cancer, and child development delays.

The details

AB 1603, authored by Assemblymember Nick Schultz, would phase out the use of PFAS pesticides in California by 2035 and require public notification of their use during the transition period. The Environmental Working Group identified at least 53 active ingredient pesticides that contain PFAS chemicals after analyzing California pesticide data.

  • The bill heads to its first assembly policy committee on Tuesday, April 11, 2026.
  • The proposed ban on PFAS pesticides would be fully implemented by 2035.

The players

AB 1603

A California bill that would ban the use of PFAS-based pesticides on food crops by 2035.

Nick Schultz

The Assemblymember who authored AB 1603.

Environmental Working Group

A nonprofit organization that found nearly 40% of non-organic produce grown in California contains at least one PFAS pesticide.

Susan Little

The California Legislative Director for the Environmental Working Group.

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What they’re saying

“At least 53 active ingredient pesticides — that is the ingredient that makes a pesticide kill stuff — the active ingredient is a PFAS chemical.”

— Susan Little, California Legislative Director, Environmental Working Group

“There's plenty of other pesticides that farmers and growers can turn to to address their needs.”

— Susan Little, California Legislative Director, Environmental Working Group

What’s next

The bill, AB 1603, heads to its first assembly policy committee on Tuesday, April 11, 2026. If passed, the proposed ban on PFAS pesticides would be fully implemented by 2035.

The takeaway

This legislation aims to address the widespread presence of 'forever chemicals' in California's produce, which pose significant health risks, by phasing out the use of PFAS-based pesticides. While concerns about costs to farmers and consumers may arise, the bill's supporters argue that alternative pesticides are available, and point to models in other states and countries that have already begun restricting these chemicals.