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Does the FDA Test for PFAS in Food?
Although PFAS have been widely used for decades, testing for PFAS in food began only recently. FDA is currently in the process of developing methods for testing PFAS in a variety of food products.
The agency has begun testing for extremely low levels of PFAS, in parts per trillion (PPT). FDA has vowed to continue using the most state-of-the-art testing methods to look for PFAS in foods and assess the potential health concern from exposure to the chemicals in foods.
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Due to the non-stick and water-resistant properties of PFAS, the FDA has authorized certain PFAS chemicals for use in some food contact products, such as in cookware, food packaging, and in food processing.
To ensure that these products are safe for use, the agency reviews all relevant scientific data prior to allowing the product on the market. The FDA’s authorization of a food contact substance requires that available data demonstrate a reasonable certainty of no harm under the intended conditions of use.
Why Hasn’t the FDA Banned PFAS?
Despite the potential health concerns, the FDA has continued to approve new PFAS for use in food packaging and contact products for decades. PFAS are still widely used because they are resistant to heat, water, and oil.
Is the Food Supply Safe?
The United States food supply is among the safest in the world. FDA is studying the occurrence of PFAS in the general food supply by testing for certain PFAS chemicals, including perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). The agency has determined that most foods not grown or produced in specific geographic areas with known PFAS contamination do not contain harmful levels of the chemicals.
Should I Stop Eating Certain Foods to Reduce my PFAS Exposure?
Although it has been confirmed that PFAS are ubiquitous in the environment, PFAS exposure from food is an emerging area of study and there remains much we still don’t understand about which types of foods contain the substances.
Since the FDA started testing foods from the general food supply in 2019, only a few of the foods tested (10 out of 532 samples) had detectable levels of PFAS. This may be due to a number of factors including lack of PFAS uptake, lack of PFAS found in the growing and manufacturing environment, or the types of PFAS for which the FDA can currently test for.
FAQs
How does PFAS contamination occur in food?
PFAS contamination in food can occur through contaminated soil and water used to grow crops, accumulation in fish and livestock from contaminated water, and migration from food packaging materials containing PFAS.
What levels of PFAS in food are considered safe by the FDA?
The FDA has not established specific safe levels for PFAS in food but evaluates the potential health risks based on the levels detected, consumption patterns, and current scientific knowledge. They use this information to make regulatory decisions.
What food products have been found to contain PFAS?
Food products that have been found to contain PFAS include seafood, dairy products, meat, and certain fruits and vegetables. The FDA’s testing program continues to monitor and assess these and other food items for PFAS contamination.
What steps can consumers take to reduce PFAS exposure from food?
Consumers can reduce PFAS exposure by choosing food products from trusted sources, avoiding food packaging materials known to contain PFAS, and supporting policies and practices that minimize PFAS contamination in the food supply.
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