# California produces nearly half of the country’s vegetables and more than three-quarters of its fruits and nuts.

*business · news · 2026-04-09 · Santa Ana Orange County Register*

## Key points

- California uses 2.5 million pounds of PFAS-containing pesticides on crops annually.
- AB 1603 proposes banning 23 EU-banned PFAS pesticides in California by 2030 and all by 2035.
- Over a third of non-organic produce tested in 2023 contained PFAS pesticide residues.
- Bifenthrin, found in 20% of California berries, is banned in the EU due to health concerns.
- There is no evidence that banning PFAS pesticides will increase produce costs for consumers.

**Countries:** United States, European Union

[Read the full story on Santa Ana Orange County Register](https://www.ocregister.com/2026/04/09/a-southern-california-lawmaker-wants-to-ban-forever-chemicals-on-state-crops/)

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