Environmental Working Group (EWG)

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a United States-based non-profit organization focused on research and advocacy related to public health and environmental issues. A key area of their work involves analyzing pesticide residues in food, which is why they are newsworthy. The EWG annually publishes a 'Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce,' ranking fruits and vegetables based on pesticide contamination levels. Recently, the EWG's research has highlighted the presence of PFAS, or "forever chemicals," in produce. A new analysis identified PFAS pesticide residues on 37% of conventional California produce, particularly in peaches, strawberries, and grapes. This finding coincides with proposed California legislation to ban PFAS in pesticides by 2035. The EWG's work is significant because it informs consumers about potential health risks associated with pesticide exposure and advocates for stricter regulations on chemical use in agriculture.