Hidden pesticides found in supermarket produce

Pesticide Action Australia's Residue Report 2026 revealed that 44% of fruit and vegetable samples tested from major Australian supermarkets contained PFAS, or 'forever chemicals,' which are linked to health issues such as cancer and high cholesterol. The report, published on Wednesday, analyzed 13 varieties including apples, bananas, lettuce, strawberries, and potatoes from stores in Adelaide, Brisbane, Sydney, Perth, and Melbourne. Across the 78 samples, there were 201 residue detections involving 54 different pesticides. This discovery raises concerns over food safety, especially given that Australia continues to approve many hazardous pesticides banned elsewhere. Project lead Eleanor Davis emphasized that these chemicals are exposing Australian children primarily through their diet.