PFAS Analysis

Accredited In-House Method for Routine Parameter at the GBA GROUP

As part of the European Green Deal, maximum levels for Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are going to be adopted into the Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 for certain foods, according to the proposal SANTE 11183-2018 Rev.0. PFASs exhibit toxic properties and are suspected carcinogens. That is why it is extremely important to test for them in food products.

PFAS analysis is an accredited routine parameter of the GBA Group, and we have developed our own method for it here. With our HPLC-MS/MS method, we can achieve a very low LOQ of 0.1 µg/kg. Our broad accreditation includes validated matrices such as meat, fish, eggs, vegetables, and milk. We will also gladly validate other matrices for you upon request.

The assessment from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concentrated on these four PFAS subparameters:

• Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
• Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS)
• Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA)
• Perfluorhexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS).

PFAS Occurrence

PFASs are not degradable in the environment and nowadays are spread throughout the world. Food can be contaminated from the soil and water that are used for growing produce, from the concentrations of these compounds in animals from their feed and water, from food packaging materials that contain PFASs, or from production facilities that contain PFAS during processing.

Furthermore, they are used in the textile and paper industry, as well as in the production of Teflon. Due to their production, usage, and disposal, PFASs end up in the water cycle and subsequently in food.

Health Effects

Humans can also ingest PFASs by various means, for example via food, as these substances can most frequently be detected in drinking water, fish, fruit, eggs, and products containing eggs. According to EFSA scientists, children display the highest rates of exposure. PFAS levels in infants can primarily be attributed to exposure during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

According to the experts, the reduced immune response to vaccinations represents the most significant adverse effect on human health, which is to be taken into consideration when determining the tolerable weekly intake.

Source: https://www.efsa.europa.eu/de/news/pfas-food-efsa-assesses-risks-and-sets-tolerable-intake