FDA Tests for PFAS Found No Need to Avoid Processed Foods

The Food and Drug Administration released the results of the first survey of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in nationally distributed processed foods. Results showed that 164 of the 167 foods tested, including baby foods, had no detectable levels of PFAS.

Three of the 167 food samples had detectable levels of PFAS: fish sticks, canned tuna and protein powder. However, the FDA said it has no scientific evidence at this time that the levels of PFAS found in the samples indicate a need to avoid any particular food in the food supply.

The process foods studied represent the major components of the average diet of the U.S. population. in addition to baby foods, they included frozen foods and foods in cans, boxes or jars.

PFAS are chemicals found in a number of consumer and industrial products because of their resistance to grease, oil, water and heat.

“The FDA’s testing for certain PFAS in such a wide range of foods available, including those commonly eaten by babies and young children, is among the first study of its kind,” said Acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock, M.D. “Although our studies to date, including these newly released results, do not suggest that there is any need to avoid particular foods because of concerns regarding PFAS contamination, the FDA will continue our work to better understand PFAS levels in the foods we eat to ensure the U.S. food supply continues to be among the safest in the world.”

Since 2019, the FDA has analyzed 440 samples for certain PFAS including fresh produce, meats and dairy products. While the FDA found detectable levels of PFAS in certain seafood samples in this latest survey, and in previous ones, the agency said the sample sizes are limited and the results “cannot be used to draw definitive conclusions about the levels of PFAS in seafood in the general food supply.”

The FDA is currently conducting a targeted survey of the most commonly consumed seafood in the U.S.

Source: FDA