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Long Island Farm Produce Contaminated with 'Forever Chemicals'

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2026/03/15 .. produce-contaminated-with-forever-chemicals.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Sunday, March 15th 2026 at 21:22 GMT by CBS News
      Locale: UNITED STATES

LONG ISLAND, N.Y. - The issue of PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, continues to plague Long Island, with recent testing revealing contamination in commonly consumed farm produce. Carrots, beets, and lettuce grown in Riverhead, Calverton, and Shirley have all tested positive for these persistent and potentially harmful chemicals, raising concerns for farmers, health officials, and consumers alike. This discovery builds upon previous findings in 2023, when PFAS were detected in milk from Long Island dairy farms, indicating a widespread and evolving environmental problem.

PFAS are notoriously referred to as "forever chemicals" due to their resistance to natural degradation. This longevity means they persist in the environment - in soil, water, and ultimately, the food chain - for extended periods. The primary source of this contamination on Long Island is believed to be the historical use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), a type of firefighting foam commonly used at training facilities and in emergency responses. While phased out in many applications, the legacy of AFFF use continues to impact water supplies and agricultural lands.

"It's heartbreaking, absolutely heartbreaking," expressed Dave Zucconi, owner of Mecox Farm in Bridgehampton, though his farm doesn't currently grow the affected crops. "I feel so bad for the consumers, for my family. We all eat this stuff." Zucconi's statement underscores the deeply personal impact of this environmental issue on the local community, as the potential for exposure affects everyone.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is actively working with farmers to pinpoint the exact sources of the contamination and develop mitigation strategies. Patrick Campbell, DEC Regional Director, emphasized the collaborative approach, stating, "We're working with the farms to investigate the source and to figure out how to best address it." This includes comprehensive testing of water sources, soil samples, and produce, as well as exploring potential remediation options.

While health officials currently assess the levels of PFAS found in the produce as relatively low, they aren't dismissing the potential long-term health risks. Dr. Eric Stern, a toxicologist, advises consumers to adhere to standard food safety practices. "We advise consumers to wash their fruits and vegetables as they normally do," Dr. Stern stated. However, experts caution that washing may only reduce, not eliminate, PFAS contamination, particularly as the chemicals can be absorbed into the plant tissue.

The health implications of PFAS exposure are broad and include potential links to various health problems, such as immune deficiencies, thyroid disorders, liver damage, and certain types of cancer. Children and pregnant women are considered particularly vulnerable to the effects of these chemicals. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently proposed stricter regulations on PFAS in drinking water, acknowledging the severity of the issue and the need for proactive measures. These regulations, if finalized, could further inform remediation efforts on Long Island.

The DEC is providing affected farms with resources and assistance, including funding for testing and potential remediation projects. Potential remediation strategies currently being investigated include soil removal, activated carbon filtration of irrigation water, and the use of biochar to bind PFAS in the soil. However, these methods can be costly and time-consuming, placing a significant burden on local farmers.

This situation is not unique to Long Island. PFAS contamination has been identified in agricultural areas across the country, particularly near military bases, airports, and firefighting training sites. The widespread use of these chemicals in various industrial and consumer products over several decades has resulted in their ubiquitous presence in the environment. The scope of the problem is so vast that it requires a multi-faceted approach, involving government agencies, researchers, and the agricultural community.

The future for Long Island farmers navigating this crisis remains uncertain. The need for ongoing monitoring, research, and effective remediation strategies is paramount. Consumers are encouraged to stay informed about the latest developments and to support local farmers who are actively working to address this challenge. Further investigation into alternative growing methods, such as hydroponics or growing in certified PFAS-free soil, may also be necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of agriculture on Long Island.