California Law Mandated PFAS Pesticide Disclosure
New legislation requires the state to track and identify PFAS chemicals found in agricultural pesticides.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Organic Food
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Should states mandate the public disclosure of PFAS chemicals used in agricultural pesticides?
Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1603 into law, requiring the Department of Pesticide Regulation to track and disclose the use of PFAS in agricultural products. This measure aims to increase transparency regarding chemical ingredients applied to crops across California.
Why it matters
The law seeks to provide greater clarity on the chemical footprint of local agriculture by identifying per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) present in active, adjuvant, or inert pesticide ingredients. It addresses a significant information gap regarding chemical exposure in the food system.
State records indicate an average annual application of 2.5 million pounds of PFAS-containing pesticide ingredients across California from 2018 to 2023. While 14 percent of U.S. conventional pesticide active ingredients are classified as PFAS, the specific impact of these substances in local farming remains a subject of ongoing study.
The players
Gavin Newsom
The Governor of California who signed Assembly Bill 1603 into law to mandate agricultural chemical transparency.
Department of Pesticide Regulation
A California state agency responsible for overseeing the use of pesticides and maintaining the public database that will now track PFAS ingredients.
The details
The new law requires the Department of Pesticide Regulation to identify and flag products containing PFAS, which are often used for their durability and water-repellent properties in chemical formulations. These additives can be classified as active, adjuvant, or inert ingredients within registered pesticides. By integrating this data into a public database, the state will create a mechanism to monitor use trends and provide visibility into which pesticides carry these compounds.
Timeline
From 2018 to 2023, an average of 2.5 million pounds of PFAS pesticides were applied annually in California.
California cotton growers completed 1,047 bifenthrin applications across 107,087 acres in 2023.
Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1603 into law on September 27, 2026.
The state mandate for full PFAS identification and publication of pesticide lists takes effect by January 1, 2028.
Health Landscape
This legislation represents an extension of California's regulatory momentum following the implementation of PFAS prohibitions under Assembly Bill 1817. It marks a significant shift toward transparency in the agricultural sector, where PFAS have historically been used to enhance pesticide delivery and stability.
Residents concerned about chemical residues in food can look toward future public database updates from the Department of Pesticide Regulation to identify products containing PFAS. If you are concerned about dietary chemical exposure, discussing the current labeling of agricultural inputs with your physician or a registered dietitian may provide helpful context.
The takeaway
This law provides the transparency needed to track how PFAS-containing pesticides are used across California's agricultural landscape. Residents should monitor the upcoming public database for updates on how these ingredients intersect with local food production systems.
Further reading
For more information on chemical standards in agricultural products, visit the Organic Food section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WWD.
Live Poll
Should states mandate the public disclosure of PFAS chemicals used in agricultural pesticides?
