PFAS are the focus of media coverage and the subject of current regulatory changes. What the food industry should know about the "eternal chemicals" is clearly summarized by our expert Nicola Ackermann in a webinar on March 30, 2023.
You can easily watch the recording of our webinars. Immediately after filling out the registration form, the link to the webinar will be sent to you.
PFAS have been closely monitored by various institutions such as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for years.
"What is new is that maximum levels for certain PFAS have come into force for the first time since January 1, 2023," says Nicola Ackermann of SGS INSTITUT FRESENIUS.
Why is it critical for the food industry to address the issue now?
"In order to assess the PFAS risk for your own food production, it is crucial to know and be able to evaluate the entry routes. In the webinar, we also talk about site risks," Nicola Ackermann explains further.
Per- and polyfluorinated compounds are organic substances in which hydrogen atoms have been replaced by fluorine atoms. As industrial chemicals with special properties, they are used in numerous applications. In the textile industry, but also in the production of paper packaging for foodstuffs and in printing inks for magazines, PFAS are used because of their water-repellent properties. Other applications include the metal and photographic industries, as well as fire-fighting foams and refrigerants.
PFAS are very stable compounds and for this reason do not degrade in the environment. They enter the environment through a variety of pathways where they do not occur naturally and accumulate there. There are approximately 10,000 different individual substances, which makes it very difficult to regulate and set limits. In the past, only the two lead substances perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) were often considered. However, other substances are increasingly coming into focus.
Due to their properties, PFAS are used in a wide range of consumer products. In addition, they are also found in extinguishing foams and are part of industrial processes. Due to the use of PFAS in printing inks and paper packaging, migration from packaging materials into foodstuffs is increasingly being discussed, especially against the background of the increased use of recycled materials. However, there are still very few studies on this subject.
It is clear that PFAS are very stable. They accumulate in the environment. Soil areas and waterways are therefore particularly at risk. If the chemicals get into the groundwater, drinking water, plant-based agricultural products and fish cultures are also contaminated. Furthermore, animal foodstuffs such as milk and meat can also be contaminated by PFAS-contaminated animal feed.
In the new European Drinking Water Directive 2020/2184 of December 2020, limit values for PFAS are defined for the first time. A limit value for the sum of 20 per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances of 0.1 μg/l applies. This limit was transferred to the new Drinking Water Ordinance in January 2023.
In addition, a stricter limit of 0.02 μg/l for the substances PFOA, PFOS, PFNA and PFHxS is to be introduced in Germany.
Furthermore, the European Drinking Water Directive defines a parameter value of 0.50 μg/l for all perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl substances. However, this will only apply once technical guidelines for monitoring the parameter have been drawn up, as it is not yet technically possible to measure all PFAS.
EFSA reassessed the health risks in September 2020 and established a tolerable weekly intake (TWI) of 4.4 nanograms per kilogram of body weight per week for the sum of the following four PFAS:
This reduction in TWI was followed by corresponding legislative changes:
With the amendment of Regulation (EC) No. 1881/2006 regarding maximum levels of perfluoroalkyl substances in certain foods, limits for animal foods (eggs, muscle meat of fish, meat and edible offal) will apply from January 1, 2023.
In addition, there is a RECOMMENDATION (EU) 2022/1431 for monitoring perfluoroalkyl substances in food. The aim of the monitoring is to collect representative data with low limits of determination down to 0.001 µg/kg and to derive limit values. Furthermore, guideline values are mentioned, above which a further investigation of the causes of the contamination is to be carried out. These guide values concern:
A limit value for mineral water is planned as part of the adaptation of the Mineral and Table Water Ordinance. Limit or guideline values for compound foods and other beverages are not yet available. However, with regard to findings, the guideline and limit values for raw materials can be used. In particular, drinking and process waters with elevated PFAS contents can lead to findings in beverages.
Since PFASs occur as environmental contaminants, targeted reduction is difficult. First, the respective site risk should be determined. PFASs occur in higher concentrations where damage has occurred. Risk factors are especially airports and the chemical, paper and textile industries. In addition, a reduction of PFAS in drinking water by means of reverse osmosis, ion exchange or activated carbon is conceivable.
Monitoring of the raw materials used helps to identify the potential routes of entry into the finished product and to initiate appropriate measures.
For more information on PFAS environmental monitoring, click here.
SGS INSTITUT FRESENIUS has many years of experience in the analysis of PFAS in water and food. About 100 different substances can be analyzed with low limits of quantification. Against the background of the new requirements, we will be pleased to advise you on all questions relating to analysis, legislation and prevention.
Due to improved measuring methods we can offer you lowest limits of determination down to 0.001 µg/kg depending on the matrix from 2023 on.
We would be pleased to contact you with an offer!
SGS INSTITUT FRESENIUS GmbH
Im Maisel 14
65232 Taunusstein
