By CASC4DE July 1, 2025
The latest report from Générations Futures (June 2025) reveals alarming levels of PFAS contamination in everyday food products across Europe — raising serious concerns about current regulatory thresholds.
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), often called “forever chemicals”, are used in a wide range of consumer products due to their resistance to water, grease, and heat. However, their persistence and mobility now pose a growing threat to public health through our food chain.
📊 Key Findings from 2,890 Food Samples (🇫🇷 🇩🇪 🇩🇰 🇳🇱)
The report, based on food testing in France, Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands, focused on the 4 regulated PFAS: PFOS, PFOA, PFNA, PFHxS.
Here’s what they found:
- 🐟 69% of fish, 55% of organ meats, and 39% of eggs contained at least one detectable regulated PFAS.
- 🐠 Just two portions of anchovies at the legal limit = 9000 ng of PFAS, which is 34× the weekly tolerable intake (TWI) for a 60 kg adult.
- 🍳 One egg, even within legal limits, can expose a 4-year-old child to up to 142% of the EFSA’s weekly tolerable dose.
⚠️ These findings reveal a troubling paradox: foods that are legally compliant may still expose consumers to levels of PFAS that exceed health safety thresholds set by European health authorities.
💡 Key Gaps and Inconsistencies
The report also highlights:
- ❌ A lack of regulatory limits for many food categories: fruits, vegetables, dairy, baby food, cereals, and drinks (juices, wines, beer).
- ⚖️ A disconnect between authorized levels and the EFSA’s recommended tolerable weekly intake of 4.4 ng/kg body weight (set since 2020).
- 🔬 The urgent need to monitor PFAS beyond the 4 currently regulated compounds.
🎙️ “Science must be heard,” said Maxime Molina (Fondation pour la Recherche Médicale) in an interview with France Info, emphasizing that these findings add to a much larger picture:
👉 According to the WHO, 24% of global deaths are linked to environmental factors.
👉 In France, up to 36% of children under age 3 are exposed to cadmium via food, per ANSES.
🌍 Why It Matters for CASC4DE
This investigation underscores the complexity of emerging contaminants — where regulation, exposure modeling, and food system traceability must align with the latest science. At CASC4DE, we’re committed to developing advanced data science tools and exposure models to support evidence-based decision-making on chemical risks.
📄 Read the full report: generations-futures.fr/rapport-pfas-alimentation