The detection of TFA was extremely high, as the chemical appeared in over 81% of the samples tested.
A European-level investigation revealed widespread contamination of cereal-based foods with trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), a particularly dangerous "forever chemical" that enters the food chain through the use of agricultural pesticides. The investigation, conducted by Pesticide Action Network Europe, examined 65 conventional cereal products purchased from 16 countries, constituting the first comprehensive EU-level analysis of this issue. The findings show that staple breakfast foods, such as cereals, contain TFA concentrations approximately 100 times higher than those measured in municipal water.
High detection rates and specific foods
The detection of TFA was extremely high, as the chemical appeared in over 81% of the samples tested. Wheat-based products exhibited particularly high levels of contamination compared to other cereal foods. Irish breakfast cereals recorded the most severe levels, followed by Belgian and German whole-wheat breads, while French baguettes also showed a significant presence. The chemical was also detected in a wide range of daily foods, such as pasta, baked goods, flour, and various breakfast items.
Understanding the contamination pathway
TFA is formed when pesticides containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) decompose in agricultural soil. This family of synthetic compounds has been used in industry and consumer products since the mid-20th century and has earned the name "forever chemicals" due to their exceptional durability, as they can persist in the environment for millennia after disposal. Their water solubility allows plants to absorb these compounds directly from the contaminated soil, creating a direct entry pathway into the human food chain. Previous research had detected TFA contamination in water sources, but the current study constitutes the first systematic examination of cereal products on a European scale.
Health implications
The chemical is considered particularly dangerous for reproductive health, with the potential to affect fertility and fetal development. Scientific research has also shown connections to thyroid, liver, and immune system dysfunction, with concerns extending beyond individual exposure to public health. Children are at particular risk due to the regular consumption of cereal products and their sensitivity to toxic substances. Scientists emphasize that every sample tested exceeded the preset safety limits for pesticide residues, a finding that public health advocates characterize as unacceptable for substances that affect reproduction.
Legislative gaps and policy demands
Current regulatory frameworks highlight a significant weakness, as governments do not systematically monitor TFA levels in food. This occurs despite growing evidence of widespread contamination and documented health risks. Public health advocates are immediately calling for two policy changes: stricter safety limits for TFA that better reflect its toxic profile and a complete ban on all pesticides containing PFAS and other sources of TFA to prevent further food chain contamination. This research comes at a time of increasing scientific understanding of the health effects of PFAS. The multiple routes of exposure, through food, drinking water, and contaminated products, mean that the population faces cumulative consequences from these persistent chemicals.
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