Alarming increase in the chemical TFA in wine – what now?

Alarming increase in the chemical TFA in wine – what now?

An online press conference will take place on April 23, 2025 at 9 a.m. to which the environmental protection organization GLOBAL 2000 and PAN Europe invite you. The topic of the event is a new European study on the eternal chemical TFA, which has been detected in wines. The speakers include Helmut Burtscher-Schaden, an environmental chemist from GLOBAL 2000, Michael Müller, professor of pharmaceutical and medicinal chemistry at the University of Freiburg, and Salome Roynal, policy advisor at PAN Europe.

The study analyzed wines from different vintages, specifically ten vintage wines dating back to 1974 and 39 current wines from ten EU countries. The study shows alarming results and points to an urgent need for action at the political level. The first part of the press conference will be held in English, followed by an Austrian breakout room. Access is via a zoom link provided.

Alarming increase in TFA concentrations

TFA, or trifluoroacetate, is one of the per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) and has a worrying prevalence in the environment. According to the University of Freiburg, a slow increase in TFA concentrations was observed in wines in 1960, which has accelerated rapidly since 2000. This applies not only to conventional wines, but also to organic wines, which can also be contaminated with TFA.The chemical is water-soluble and poorly degradable, meaning it accumulates in the environment and is found in bodies of water and rainwater.

Another concern is that there are currently no established limits or monitoring measures for TFA. This could mean that concentrations in water continue to rise, while the impacts on humans and the environment are not yet fully understood.

Causes and effects of TFA

TFA enters the environment through various sources. The main culprits include pesticides such as flufenacet, diflufencican and fluazinam, as well as refrigerants and propellants. Decomposition products of other PFAS and the chemical production of other substances also contribute to their spread. Of particular concern is the connection between the increase in TFA concentrations and the effects of climate change and the ban on CFCs.TFA does not degrade in nature, meaning it remains persistent in oceans and other sinks.

The removal of TFA from water proves to be extremely complex and costly. Medicines and fertilizers also contribute to environmental pollution. Current research suggests that TFA may pose a risk to reproduction, which is why German authorities have applied to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) to classify it as toxic for reproduction. The assessment is ongoing and some waters already show higher TFA concentrations than permitted for reproductive toxicants. This could potentially have significant impacts on animal and human health.However, TFA is not yet considered acutely toxic, but studies have shown toxic effects in rabbits.

The issue is part of a larger discussion about environmental pollution that includes not only air and water pollution, but also exposure to household chemicals and other harmful substances.Pollution is a serious threat that requires practical solutions and increased awareness to protect environmental and human health.