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FPAS in food: The alarming results for eggs and fish!
The BUND publishes PFAS test results in food: High contamination in animal products, recommended plant-based alternatives.
FPAS in food: The alarming results for eggs and fish!
The German Association for the Environment and Nature Conservation (BUND) has published alarming results from its latest study into the contamination of food with PFAS. According to oekonews.at, a systematic evaluation of data from the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) found that PFAS, also as Known as “forever chemicals,” they have been detected in a variety of animal products. Specifically, 22 chicken egg samples were tested in spring 2025, with PFAS detected in 14 of the samples.
The results show a worrying level of contamination: 69% of fish and 55% of offal, including liver, were affected. 39% of chicken eggs also showed contamination, while vegetables were only 7% contaminated. It is noticeable that eggs from hobby farmers were more contaminated than supermarket eggs. Although legal limits for four PFAS were not exceeded, numerous types of PFAS were found, including unregulated compounds such as PFBA.
Health risks of PFAS
PFAS are man-made chemical compounds used in many products, including the textile and food industries. They are known for their longevity and mobility, meaning they can accumulate in the body. As a result, exposure to PFAS can have health effects such as increased cholesterol levels and a weakened immune system. Young children and pregnant women are particularly at risk, as PFAS can be passed on to infants through breast milk, as the EFSA has found. In a study by the Federal Environment Agency, PFAS residues were detected in blood samples from over 1,000 children, with worrying levels found in up to a quarter of the young people.
The BUND criticizes the fact that the legally established limit values for PFAS in food are set too high, especially for children, and suggests that these values be adjusted to the tolerable weekly dose (TWI) determined by the EFSA. This amounts to 4.4 nanograms per kilogram of body weight per week and is part of a reassessment of the risks of PFAS in food. In its current assessment, the EFSA has identified reduced immune response to vaccinations as a significant health impact.
Occurrence and avoidance of PFAS
PFAS enter the body through direct contact with food or inhaled particles. Consumers mainly absorb pollutants through fish and meat products, with eggs and dairy products playing a smaller role. Drinking water is also a relevant source. However, consumers have little control over their exposure as many products containing PFAS do not have to be declared. In order to minimize the risk of PFAS intake, the BUND recommends consuming more plant-based protein products and avoiding certain cooking utensils. Stainless steel or cast iron pans should be used for food preparation, while Teflon-coated products should be avoided.
The BUND is also calling for a comprehensive restriction of the entire PFAS group for all applications. The demands also include a polluter pays principle for the remediation of contaminated soil and water. In the Netherlands, eating eggs from hobby farms is already discouraged. The ongoing discussion shows how important it is to counteract these pollutants and increase consumer awareness of the risks.