PFAS Analysis

Analysis of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in water, food and food packaging

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are generally hydrophobic and lipophobic fluorinated compounds, widely used in household and industrial applications:

• stain- and water-resistant coatings for fabrics and carpets
• oil-resistant coatings for paper products approved for food contact (cookie sheets, food paper, fast food packaging, popcorn bags, etc.)
• fire-fighting foams, mining and oil well surfactants, floor polishes and insecticide formulations

Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are the best-known PFASs and both belong to (per)fluorinated organic surfactants. These compounds are endocrine disruptors, and there is ever more evidence that they are dangerous to health. For example, PFOA belongs to 2B class according to IARC, meaning that it is undoubtedly carcinogenic to animals and possibly to humans. Scientific research on the effect of PFOA on humans is still underway.

The PFAS issue has come to the fore in recent years, because not only are PFASs widespread in the environment, they are also highly persistent since they do not break down when exposed to air, water or sunlight. Because of chemical stability, they can run long distances through the air, thus contaminating sites far away from the production plants and affecting living organisms where they may bioaccumulate (EPA, United States Environmental Protection Agency). PFASs have especially affected the aquatic environment. The topic still holds significant attention, and researchers have conducted thorough assessments to evaluate the risk to human health.

Dangers of PFAS contamination

PFAS-related environmental pollution is the main cause of food contamination, which is in turn the main vehicle for human exposure to PFASs.

Major contributors to dietary exposure are:

• fish and other seafood (mainly from fresh water)
• fruit and fruit products (PFOS occurrence)
• meat and meat products (edible offal and liver in particular)

PFAS migration from food packaging and cookware can also contaminate food.. Studies have confirmed that PFASs are present in food packaging, especially in packaging used in fast foods that require oil-resistant coatings.

Consumers are deeply concerned about PFAS contamination in water, food, and food packaging, as ongoing scientific studies have not yet completed an assessment of potential adverse health effects.

Even though studies are still underway and there is no harmonized legislation, public awareness of PFAS risks have increased worldwide:

• PFOS is included in the list of “persistent organic pollutants” (POP)
• PFOA and its ammonium salt content are among the “substances of very high concern” (SVHC).
• EFSA has published different scientific opinions on per and polyfluoroalkyl substances and recommended to monitor their presence and more thoroughly investigate into the effects on humans.

Our analysis of PFAS

The regular monitoring of PFAS compounds and their avoidance in the manufacture of packaging are important measures to prevent food contamination. Likewise, in order to comply with the monitoring obligation issued in 2022 and the maximum levels set for certain foodstuffs.

Within our group, Institut Kirchhof Berlin and the other companies of Mérieux NutriSciences, we have developed a method for the analysis of PFAS compounds. It is based on an LC/ESI-MS/MS method.

Mérieux NutriSciences, a key partner for companies, has developed a LC/ESI-MS/MS method to analyze PFASs in the matrices which may be sources of contamination:

• Water
• Food
• Food Packaging

Moreover, it continuously works to expand the number of PFASs analyzed, to provide customers with a comprehensive, accurate and reliable service in order to provide you with validated and proven service also in this innovative topic area of emerging risks.

German and European legal framework