Berry company Driscoll’s has responded to accusations of pesticide contamination by saying it is in “full compliance” with Estados Unidos’s food safety standards. The statement comes after consumer protection organization Mamavation released a report indicating the presence of traces of “forever pesticides” (PFAS) in the brand’s conventional strawberries sold at Califórnia.
Teste identifies 12 pesticides in Driscoll’s strawberries
Mamavation, a group based at Califórnia, tested samples of Driscoll’s organic and conventional strawberries sent to Agência’s Proteção Ambiental (EPA) certified laboratory in the USA. The test, carried out on May 4, 2026, screened for more than 500 types of pesticides.
The results showed the presence of residues of 12 different pesticides at levels considered prohibited in several countries:
- União Europeia
- Taiwan
- Chile
- Coreia from Sul
- Rússia
Oito of the pesticides identified were classified as PFAS, popularly known as “forever chemicals” or “forever pesticides”, extremely persistent and highly toxic substances that do not degrade naturally in the environment.
Driscoll’s reaffirms security practices
The company responded to the report by emphasizing its commitment to food safety protocols. In a statement to Daily Mail, Driscoll’s stated, “It takes seriously and rigorously follows best scientific practices and regulatory guidance in research related to food safety risks.”
The company highlighted that it operates “in full compliance with applicable U.S. federal, state and local pesticide and food safety regulations.” Mencionou frequent oversight of EPA and Departamento of Regulamentação of Pesticidas of Califórnia to ensure regulatory compliance.
Conforme the company, all independent partner producers undergo third-party audits carried out by independent auditors. Essas audits, according to Driscoll’s, provide transparency and ensure that safe agricultural practices are used at each stage of production.
Origem of samples and test methodology
Mamavation obtained two boxes of Driscoll’s brand strawberries from a supermarket located in the south of Califórnia. The samples were sent to an EPA-certified laboratory, which conducted a comprehensive analysis seeking to identify pesticide residues on May 4, 2026.
The consumer organization described the results as “somewhat shocking.” The test identified residues at levels that exceed permitted limits in multiple international jurisdictions, raising concerns about pesticide application practices on the brand’s crops.
The issue of PFAS has gained global relevance in recent years. Essas chemical substances, used in various industrial and agricultural processes, accumulate in the human body and the environment. Sua biological persistence has led to restriction or prohibition in several developed countries.
Contexto food safety in the US
Food safety at Estados Unidos is regulated by multiple federal agencies, including the EPA, which monitors pesticide residues in foods. US legislation establishes tolerance limits for several pesticides, although these limits are often less stringent than those adopted by União Europeia and other countries.
The divergence between regulatory limits in the US and other nations creates situations where products that are legally marketable on the American market could be prohibited in other regions. Driscoll’s case illustrates this regulatory disparity in real time, with strawberries testing positive for pesticide levels that exceed stricter international standards.
