PAN Europe has released the first EU-wide report examining TFA, a forever chemical, in cereal-based products, such as bread, pasta, and breakfast cereals. The results reveal widespread contamination of products across Europe with TFA.

The investigation, conducted in collaboration with environmental NGOs across 16 European countries, analysed 66 samples. TFA was detected in 81.8% of samples, including wholemeal bread, baguettes, gingerbread, and wheat flour, with the highest levels in Irish breakfast cereal. Wheat products were significantly more contaminated than other cereal-based products.

Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) is a small, very persistent and mobile chemical that is one of many per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as ‘forever chemicals’ because they can take generations to break down in the environment. The main source of TFA is from the breakdown of other PFAS chemicals used as pesticides and F-gases (a type of fluorinated gas commonly used in refrigeration and air conditioning).

Concerns about TFA have been growing due to its apparent widespread presence in the environment, with studies finding it in food, tap water, and wine. Studies have also raised concerns about potential adverse health impacts, including potential toxicity to the liver and the reproductive system. The European Chemicals Agency is currently considering whether it should be classified as persistent, mobile and toxic to reproduction.

PAN Europe has called for a range of urgent measures, including a ban on PFAS pesticides, alongside EU-wide monitoring of TFA in food and the environment.

A separate report from PAN UK has analysed UK government data on pesticide residues in fruit and vegetables. They have used this data to produce the annual ‘Dirty Dozen’ list, which lists the 12 fruit and vegetables most likely to contain residues of 2 or more pesticides. Grapefruit topped the list, with grapes second, followed by limes and bananas. Sign up to receive the Dirty Dozen list here.

CHEM Trust supports the EU universal PFAS restriction and the ban on PFAS pesticides, as well as the call for alternatives, many of which are either already available or in development. CHEM Trust is also calling on the UK Government to restrict PFAS as a group in line with the EU PFAS restriction.

Read more about TFA in our FAQ here and about the EU universal PFAS restriction here.

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