“We cannot allow children and pregnant women to be exposed to chemicals” reacted the authors of an investigation.
A new invisible but widespread pollution worries scientists. According to a survey carried out by PAN Europe, cereal-based foods, very present in the daily diet, are massively contaminated by trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), a pollutant derived from PFAS. Out of 66 products analyzed in 16 countries (including France), 81% expose the population to worrying levels of TFA. Foods tested included breakfast cereals, breads, pastas, biscuits, flours, rice cakes and pastries. Several wheat or rice products had the highest concentrations, a finding that could be explained by contamination of soil, water or atmosphere in certain production areas.
On the health front, concerns are growing. Although knowledge remains incomplete, several studies suggest possible effects on reproduction, the liver, the thyroid or the immune system. TFA is in the process of being classified as toxic for reproduction and also shows evidence of liver toxicity. NGOs are warning about the cumulative effect of PFAS, already widely present in food, drinking water and certain everyday packaging.
Additional problem: no regulatory limit exists for TFA in foods. Health authorities recognize that they lack data to set a threshold, but agree on the need for reinforced surveillance. “The entire population is exposed through multiple routes, including food and drinking water. Our findings highlight the urgency of an immediate ban on PFAS pesticides to stop contamination of the food chain”declared Salomé Roynel, project manager at PAN Europe.
For consumers, completely reducing exposure remains difficult. Specialists nevertheless recommend limiting highly processed products, diversifying cereal sources and favoring, when possible, sectors less dependent on fluorinated pesticides. Organic products can sometimes have lower contents, although this does not constitute a total guarantee.
The authors of the study call for specific regulations and more transparency for the public. A necessity, when these eternal pollutants could concern millions of consumers across Europe and their presence in daily food raises new questions. TFA belongs to the large family of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, PFAS, used for decades for their non-stick or waterproofing properties. Very stable, they persist in the environment and contaminate water resources over the long term. Once present in the environment, the compound disperses easily and can accumulate in crops, especially those intended for common food.
