Concerns have escalated regarding the safety of food produced in the United States as human sewage contaminated with cancer-causing toxins has been discovered in the food supply. Treated sewage sludge, referred to as biosolids, is commonly used as fertilizer on farmland. This practice has come under scrutiny due to the potential presence of harmful substances known as PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which are linked to serious health issues, including various cancers.
According to estimates from industry groups, nearly 70 million acres of U.S. farmland may be affected by PFAS contamination. Virginia has emerged as a focal point in this issue, receiving shipments of PFAS-laden sludge from neighboring Maryland after that state imposed stricter regulations on its use. Virginia Senator Richard Stuart highlighted concerns regarding the spread of this contaminated material, emphasizing that farmers are reluctant to accept it. “The sludge is coming onto our fields, and it’s got PFAS in it,” Stuart stated. “Farmers don’t want it, and we can’t let it keep going into the food we eat.”
Residents in areas where biosolids are applied have reported health issues and contamination of local water supplies. Without mandatory testing for PFAS in sewage sludge, communities are increasingly pressing for action to protect public health. Virginia is significant in the national food supply, ranking in the top ten for various agricultural products such as poultry, apples, peanuts, and tobacco, making the potential for widespread contamination particularly alarming.
Stuart is actively working on legislation that would require the certification of biosolids as PFAS-free before application on farmland. He has proposed a zero-tolerance policy, although he acknowledges that achieving this standard may be challenging. The proposed legislation would include random testing, with violators facing fines starting at $5,000 per infraction to support enforcement efforts by the Department of Environmental Quality.
The situation is compounded by the absence of a specific regulatory threshold for PFAS in Virginia’s sewage sludge. In contrast, Maryland has established a limit of five parts per billion for PFAS in biosolids intended for agricultural use. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has yet to set a federal numeric limit, further complicating efforts to regulate this issue effectively.
In a draft risk assessment, the EPA warned that even exposure to trace amounts of certain PFAS chemicals could pose health risks, particularly for those living near agricultural areas. “At a minimum, we’ve got to stop applying it on farmland while we figure out the rest of the problem,” Stuart remarked. “Farmers don’t want this, and we can’t let it keep going into the food we eat.”
The origins of this contamination issue can be traced back to 2023 when Maryland discovered widespread PFAS contamination at its wastewater treatment plants. This revelation prompted state officials to restrict the use of sewage-based fertilizers to safeguard food and drinking water. Following the implementation of these restrictions, the biosolids operator Synagro sought permits to apply the same material in Virginia.
Synagro, which is controlled by a Goldman Sachs investment fund, has stated that while the fertilizer may contain trace levels of PFAS, this does not equate to contamination. A spokesperson indicated that Synagro supports legislation aimed at eliminating PFAS from consumer products that could ultimately affect biosolids and the environment.
The National Biosolids Data Project estimates that approximately 18 percent of U.S. farmland, amounting to nearly 70 million acres—an area comparable to the size of Nevada—may be treated with biosolids. These figures only account for Class B biosolids, which are subject to permits and reporting. Class A biosolids, which lack the same oversight, could mean that PFAS contamination is more extensive than currently understood.
As the discussion continues, stakeholders from various sectors are calling for comprehensive data collection and the establishment of stringent guidelines to ensure the safety of the food supply. The potential health implications of PFAS exposure necessitate urgent attention and action from lawmakers and regulatory bodies alike.
