High levels of a toxic “forever chemical” have been detected in cereal products across Europe due to its presence in pesticides.
According to a study by Pesticide Action Network Europe (PAN), breakfast cereal is the most contaminated food, with average concentrations 100 times higher than in tap water. The research found trifluoroacetic acid (TFA)—a chemical produced when pesticides containing PFAS break down in soil—in breakfast cereals, popular sweets, pasta, croissants, wholemeal and refined bread, and flour.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of chemicals used in manufacturing and consumer products since the 1950s. Known as “forever chemicals,” they can take hundreds or even thousands of years to degrade after disposal. If they leak into soil or water, they may persist for centuries. Their impact on human health and the environment is still being understood, with new studies frequently linking some of these chemicals to diseases like cancer.
TFA is reprotoxic, meaning it can harm human reproductive function, fertility, and fetal development. It has also been associated with adverse effects on thyroid, liver, and immune functions. Campaigners are urging governments to set a much stricter safety limit for TFA and to ban all PFAS pesticides and other sources of TFA. Currently, governments do not monitor TFA in food.
The study analyzed 65 conventional cereal products purchased in 16 European countries—the first of its kind at the EU level. Previous reports have found high TFA levels in wine and some tap water contamination. Because TFA is water-soluble, it can be absorbed by plants from the soil.
TFA was detected in 81.5% of samples (53 out of 65) across the 16 countries, with high contamination levels. Wheat products were significantly more contaminated than other cereal-based items. The highest levels were found in Irish breakfast cereal, followed by Belgian wholemeal bread, German wholemeal bread, and French baguette. It was also present in a wide range of products, including spaghetti, cheese scones, and gingerbread.
“All people are exposed to TFA through multiple pathways, including food and drinking water. Our findings underscore the urgent need for an immediate ban of PFAS pesticides to stop further contamination of the food chain,” said Salomé Roynel, policy officer at PAN Europe.
Angeliki Lysimachou, head of science and policy at PAN Europe, added: “All samples were above the default maximum residue limit. We cannot expose children to reprotoxic chemicals. This demands immediate action.”
Although Britain was not included in the study, the results are relevant there as well. PFAS are among the most widely used pesticide active substances in the UK, with 27 known PFAS active ingredients in use—six of which are highly hazardous. They are used because their properties can make pesticides more specific, faster-acting, and longer-lasting on target organisms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about the recent study on forever chemicals in European cereals designed to answer questions from basic to more advanced
Beginner General Questions
1 What are forever chemicals
Forever chemicals is a common name for a large group of humanmade chemicals called PFAS They are called forever because they break down very slowly in the environment and can build up in our bodies over time
2 What was the main finding of the new study
A new study found that many cereal products sold across Europelike wheat pasta and flourcontain detectable levels of PFAS In some cases the levels were high enough to be a potential health concern if consumed regularly
3 Which cereal products were affected
The study tested a range of products including common wheat durum wheat spelt rye and oat flour It was not about specific brands of breakfast cereal but about the grains used to make many staple foods
4 How do these chemicals get into our food
PFAS can get into crops primarily through contaminated water and soil This contamination often comes from industrial pollution certain pesticides or the use of sewage sludge as fertilizer
5 Should I stop eating bread and pasta
No you should not panic and eliminate these staples The concern is about longterm consistent exposure Experts advise focusing on a varied diet and following official food safety guidance from health authorities as they assess the study
Health Safety Questions
6 What are the potential health risks of PFAS
Longterm exposure to high levels of certain PFAS has been linked to various health issues including increased cholesterol levels reduced immune response thyroid disease and certain cancers The risk depends on the level and duration of exposure
7 Are children more at risk
Yes children can be more vulnerable because they eat more food relative to their body weight and their bodies are still developing This is why monitoring these chemicals in food is a priority for health agencies
8 Is organic cereal safer from PFAS contamination
Not necessarily While organic farming avoids synthetic pesticides PFAS contamination comes from water and soil pollution which can affect any farm organic or conventional if its in a
