Environmental group seeks limits on PFAS in food amid regulatory overhaul

The Environmental Working Group argues greater federal production is needed after 'forever' chemicals known as PFAS turn up in meat and dairy products.

Emma Penrod
June 11, 2026
Red prohibition symbol with diagonal line crossing out PPAS text on dark background
dba87 | BigStock.com

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is sending mixed signals with its latest actions on PFAS, a set of chemicals sometimes called “forever chemicals,” according to Tasha Stoiber, a senior scientist with the Environmental Working Group.

The EPA announced an updated PFAS strategy in late May that limits the presence of two PFAS chemicals, PFOA and PFOS, in drinking water to 4 parts per trillion. EPA finalized that rule in 2024, under President Joe Biden. The strategy also sets aside approximately $1 billion in new grant funding to upgrade water treatment facilities in small and disadvantaged communities that may struggle to comply with the new rule.

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