A report by PAN Europe and Bond Beter Leefmilieu shows that TFA (trifluoroacetic acid), a PFAS derivative, was detected in 82% of cereal products tested in Europe. Belgian wholemeal bread has a concentration of 340 μg/kg – 34 times higher than the recommended limit for reprotoxic substances.

A European study conducted by the Pesticide Action Network (PAN) Europe, in collaboration with Bond Beter Leefmilieu from Belgium, has revealed a worrying reality: the cereal products we consume daily contain significant levels of TFA (trifluoroacetic acid) , a compound from the PFAS family, also known as “forever chemicals”.

What the study shows

Researchers tested 66 products from 16 European countries, including bread, pastries, pasta, flour, biscuits and breakfast cereals. The results are alarming: TFA was detected in 54 of the products (82%). The average concentration was 75.7 micrograms per kilogram (μg/kg), with maximum values reaching 360 μg/kg.

The most contaminated Belgian products

Three of the four Belgian products tested are in the top 10 of the most contaminated products in Europe:

1. Wholemeal bread – 340 μg/kg (34 times higher than the 10 μg/kg limit recommended by PAN Europe for reprotoxic substances)
2. Kramiek bread (cramique) – 280 μg/kg
3. Speculaas – 210 μg/kg

For comparison, the European average value was 78.9 μg/kg, and some products had concentrations more than 100 times higher than those found in tap water.

What is TFA and why is it dangerous?

TFA (trifluoroacetic acid) is a degradation product of PFAS-containing pesticides, but also of certain fluorinated gases used in cooling systems. It is extremely mobile in water and soil, being absorbed by plants, especially wheat, which explains its presence in cereal products.

Health risks: According to PAN Europe and the cited industry studies, TFA is considered reprotoxic (toxic to reproduction) and can affect fertility, foetal development and sperm quality. There are also suspicions of negative effects on the thyroid, liver and immune system.

Reaction from authorities and the food industry

Fevia, the Belgian food industry federation, has reacted by reassuring consumers that products on the Belgian market are safe, citing the absence of specific European standards for TFA in food. Currently, the EU does not have a maximum legal limit for TFA in food products. Instead, PAN Europe recommends applying the 10 μg/kg threshold, used for reprotoxic chemicals.

What environmental organisations are calling for

Bond Beter Leefmilieu and PAN Europe are calling for:

1. An immediate ban on pesticides containing PFAS.
2. Implementation of a national plan for the gradual elimination of PFAS in Belgium.
3. Establishment of a clear legal threshold for TFA in food.
4. Mandatory monitoring of TFA in food products.

Conclusion

The PAN Europe study demonstrates that exposure to PFAS is not limited to water or fish, but also affects basic foods such as bread. Although Belgian authorities and the food industry claim that there is no immediate danger, environmental organisations are calling for urgent action to reduce the population’s exposure, especially children and pregnant women, to these persistent substances.

(Staff: Belgium / Health & Food Safety)