High levels of PFAS in juice and fruit purée for children
A new study has revealed high levels of so-called ultrashort PFAS chemicals in orange juice and fruit purées for children. The study is a collaboration between Örebro University, Eurofins Food & Feed Testing AB, and the PFAS Competence Centre.
What are PFAS substances?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) is a collective term for a large and complex group of over 10,000 identified man-made substances with varying properties and widespread use in society.
Modern refrigerants, such as HFO-1234yf, do not damage the ozone layer and are used in refrigerators and air conditioning units but can break down and produce TFA. As a result, TFA has significantly increased since the 1990s, and researchers have measured increasingly higher levels present in rain and snow. In addition, around 40 pesticides approved within the EU can be broken down into TFA.
TFMS (trifluoromethanesulfonic acid) is another common ultrashort PFAS, or sulfonic acid, used in products such as lithium-ion batteries.
As all PFAS substances are man-made, do not naturally occur in the environment and are very difficult to break down. Certain PFAS have harmful effects on both humans and the environment.
Research in recent years has shown that so-called ultrashort PFAS chemicals are widespread in our environment. PFAS is found in drinking water, both surface water and groundwater. While there is a lack of knowledge concerning these substances in food, previous studies have shown that plants can absorb and accumulate these chemicals.
High levels of TFA in orange juice
The new research study examined two ultrashort PFAS chemicals, trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) and trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (TFMS), in juices and fruit and vegetable purées for young children. The results show high levels of TFA in orange juice and hand-pressed oranges.
“I wasn’t surprised that we found TFA in juice and purée, as we have found the substance everywhere when we have analysed water, even in drinking water,” says Leo Yeung, researcher in chemistry at Örebro University.
“I was somewhat surprised that the average levels were at 34,000 ng/L, with some samples reaching over 80,000 ng/L, which was higher than my expectations.”
Samples also showed apple juice contained TFA, but the levels were lower.
“However, we did find significant levels of TFA in two of the nine analysed fruit purées.”
Ecological food had lower levels
Researchers analysed both conventional and ecological products. Generally, the ecological products had lower TFA levels, but there were exceptions.
PFAS levels in the tested juice, fruit and vegetable purées were compared to guideline values for drinking water in the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany. All samples containing measurable TFA concentrations exceeded the accepted value in the Netherlands and often exceeded the accepted value in Denmark; one sample exceeded the higher value for drinking water in Germany.
“Our analysis shows that certain orange juices and purées exceeded the guideline values set by Denmark, the Netherlands, and Germany regarding drinking water, which may imply potential health effects.”
“As parents, we don’t need to be overly concerned about the results just yet. However, to better understand the situation, we should demand more information about baby food,” says Leo Yeung.
Researchers believe their work provides the first overview of ultrashort PFAS, TFA, and TFMS in baby food in Sweden, such as juice, juice-based drinks, and fruit purées. Study results have been published in a white paper.
Text: Linda Harradine
Photo: Private
Translation: Jerry Gray