A new study has revealed that cereal products across Europe contain high levels of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), a hazardous “forever chemical” formed when pesticides containing PFAS break down in soil. Conducted by Pesticide Action Network Europe (PAN), the analysis found average TFA concentrations in breakfast cereals were 100 times higher than those typically found in tap water.
Researchers tested 65 cereal-based products from 16 European countries, detecting TFA in 81.5% of samples. Contamination was especially high in wheat-based foods. The highest levels were found in Irish breakfast cereals, followed by Belgian and German wholemeal bread, and French baguettes. Other affected items included pasta, croissants, bread, cookies, flour, and even cheese scones.
PFAS chemicals have been used in industry and consumer products since the 1950s and can persist in the environment for centuries. They are linked to cancer, liver and thyroid problems, weakened immune response, and reproductive harm. TFA specifically is classified as reprotoxic.
Campaigners are calling for governments to ban PFAS-based pesticides, set stricter safety limits, and monitor TFA in food—something currently not done. PAN Europe warned that exposure is widespread through both food and drinking water.
Although the UK was not included in the study, PFAS use is common there as well, with 27 known PFAS pesticide ingredients still authorised. Scientists say action is needed to prevent further contamination of food chains and protect public health.
