European Union amends the maximum residue limits for perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in certain foodstuffs
Regarding EC Regulation No. 1881/2006, the European Commission (EC) has amended the maximum residue limits (MRLs) for perfluoroalkyl substances in certain foodstuffs. This amendment is covered under regulation No 2022/2388 which took effect on January 1, 2023.
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are synthetic organofluorine chemicals encompassing thousands of individual compounds, such as perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS). First developed in the 1940s they have been used in numerous commercial and industrial applications such as textile, carpet, paper and leather treatments.
PFAS’s properties chemical stability, water resistance and persistency in the environment have resulted in widespread environmental contamination. In food, contamination with these substances is mainly the result of bioaccumulation in aquatic and terrestrial food chains. Additionally, the use of food contact materials containing PFAS contributes to human exposure. Exposure to PFAS can cause developmental effects and may have adverse effects on serum cholesterol, the liver and the immune system.
The European Union is concerned about the effect of PFASs in food and has established maximum residue limits (MRLs) for perfluoroalkyl substances in foodstuffs in European Commission Regulation (EC) Number 1881/2006. This has been done to ensure a high level of human health protection.