BAHFSA Statement: Addressing Driscoll’s Strawberry Recall Claims and PFAS Concerns

November 3, 2026,

A recent Facebook post alleges that Driscoll's brand strawberries sold in a local supermarket on New Providence, has been recalled and are the subject of class action lawsuits

The Bahamas Agricultural Health and Food Safety Authority (BAHFSA) has investigated these claims and has concluded that, to date, there are no current recalls involving Driscoll's brand strawberries, according to the United States Food and Drug Administration (U.S. FDA), the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), and Driscoll's.

Further investigations found that complaints, stemming from independent laboratory testing of two boxes of Driscoll’s strawberry in which the residues of 12 pesticides (8 of which were PFAS) were reportedly detected, in contrast to USDA Organic strawberries where PFAS were non-detected, led to class action lawsuits filed by consumers in four U.S. states and in Quebec, Canada. The complainants allege that Driscoll’s did not disclose its use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly referred to as "forever chemicals" (because they resist degradation), in the conventional (non-organic) production of Driscoll's strawberries. The lawsuits further claim that the company marketed its strawberries as safe, wholesome, and sustainably grown while failing to disclose the presence of PFAS-related substances. These class action lawsuits remain open and Driscoll's has not been found liable. The class action lawsuits does not mean that Driscoll’s strawberries have been recalled.

According to the Mayoclinic, PFAS have been linked to a number of health issues, including heart and metabolic health, cancer and immune health, hormonal and reproductive health and child development. Additionally, PFAS are known endocrine disruptors which means that they can interfere with the way your body’s hormones work.

Here is what you should know:

  1. PFAS are EVERYWHERE;
  2. The major form of exposure is via one’s diet and drinking water;
  3. Exposure occurs in the home using regular household products;
  4. One of the ways to reduce exposure is by using a water filter for your drinking water;
  5. You can avoid common sources of PFAS by removing them from your household environment;

BAHFSA advises the public to rely on official sources for the latest information regarding food recalls and the status of any ongoing class action litigation involving PFAS regarding Driscoll’s strawberries.

In the meantime, while there is currently no recall of Driscoll's strawberries, BAHFSA urges consumers to thoroughly wash conventionally grown strawberries before consumption to help reduce the presence of pesticide residue.

Director
Food Safety and Quality Unit
[email protected]