Cereal products with high levels of trifluoroacetic acid found in Europe.

Study Finds High Levels of Toxic 'forever Chemical' in European Cereals | AI News Digest

Published: December 4, 2025, 10:51 a.m. Health Negative
Publisher: AI News Digest
Original report: The Guardian

A recent report from Pesticide Action Network Europe (PAN) has unveiled concerning levels of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), a harmful 'forever chemical,' in various cereal products throughout Europe. The study assessed 65 conventional cereal items from 16 different countries and discovered that TFA concentrations were, on average, 100 times higher than those typically detected in tap water. TFA, which is a byproduct of pesticides containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), is associated with serious health concerns, including reproductive toxicity and potential connections to severe diseases. These findings have sparked demands for more stringent regulations regarding TFA and a complete ban on PFAS pesticides, highlighting the current shortcomings in monitoring TFA levels in food. This research represents a significant advancement in understanding the widespread presence of these chemicals in our food supply and their long-term effects on public health.

TFAPFASfood safetyhealth risksEurope