FDA’s testing reveals minimal PFAS contamination in U.S food supply

U.S – In an extensive examination of the U.S. food supply, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has disclosed findings regarding the prevalence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

Their recently published results, stemming from the Total Diet Study (TDS), indicate that PFAS were undetectable in over 97 percent of tested samples.

FDA’s updated analytical method, now encompassing 30 PFAS analytes, marks a stride in monitoring food and extends to include animal feed samples. This method amplifies their ability to scrutinize a broader spectrum of food items for potential PFAS contamination.

Since 2019, the FDA has examined nearly 1,300 samples, demonstrating a commitment to assessing dietary exposure to PFAS. The agency shares findings with the public, fostering trust and transparency in their evaluation process.

In their recent revelation, the FDA disclosed PFAS detection in merely eight out of 95 samples from a regional TDS collection.

Notably, these findings were predominantly confined to select meat and seafood samples, with levels deemed non-threatening to public health, particularly among young children and the general populace, based on thorough toxicological evaluations.

FDA pledges to expand sampling efforts, aiming to provide a more comprehensive understanding of PFAS exposure from various food sources.

To reduce dietary exposure to PFAS from food packaging, the regulator banned the sale of grease-proofing materials containing PFAS in food packaging within the United States in March.

This move directly addresses concerns regarding major sources of dietary PFAS exposure, including fast-food wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, take-out paperboard containers, and pet food bags.

In addition, a team of scientists from the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) recently developed a revolutionary method for detecting PFAS in mere minutes.

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