PFAS in food and biota – Accreditation, new compounds and packs

In September 2020, EFSA published a new TWI value (tolerable weekly intake) for PFAS of 4.4 ng/kg body weight/week based on the sum of four PFASs (PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS, PFNA; PFAS4). For PFOS and PFOA, this meant a reduction in the tolerable intake by a factor of about 200 to more than 2000 times. The reduction is important for the levels that can be considered acceptable in food and biota. At EU level, work on determining maximum levels for PFAS4 in food has been initiated and a new screening program is also proposed.

Eurofins development

These lower limits imply a need for a more sensitive analytical determination. A year ago Eurofins introduced a new method with significantly lowered limit of quantifications (LOQ), down to 0.01 µg/kg FW. We have now further developed the analysis, combined the two versions of the method, extended the number of analytes and accredited determination of fish (muscle and liver) and shellfish for approx 35 PFAS. In total more than 45 PFAS can now be analysed, of which 24 substances will be reported on a 0.01 µg/kg FW level. In addition, GenX (accredited) and 8:2 FTOH can be determined with separate methods.

PFAS in foodstuffs

Lowering of LOQs can lead to the detection of more PFAS at lower concentrations and in combination with a wider spectrum of analytes, a partly new “picture” of the occurrence may arise. We have investigated a number of purchased foodstuffs with focus on fish and baby food. The results were recently presented at the Swedish PFAS network meeting as well as at our webinar 3 Dec. The study showed the wide prescence of the group and this applied to both PFAS4 and longer PFCAs (>9C). Of particular interest was the detection of sulfonamide precursors that can potentially degrade to sulfonates such as PFBS, PFHxS and PFOS. The share of PFAS4 of the total PFAS detected ranged from 0 to 100%. Differing patterns and levels can, in this context, also be important for environmental monitoring.

New compounds and packs

We now introduce a range of new PFAS in addition to the 20 we have previously determined. These substances comprise some longer PFCA/PFSA, “PreFOS” and a range of so called “novel” PFAS such as PFBSA, PFHxSA and PFECHS. The latter group also includes PFAS ethers that have received recent attention, for example (A)DONA, F53B, PFMPA, PFMBA, PFEESA, and NFDHA. Two additional packs are also introduced, one that correspond to PFAS20 in the drinking water directive (DWD) with 6:2 FTS and PFOSA (DK regulation; SLV11) included. The second is a comprehensive screening pack with more than 40 compounds.

The optimal sample weight is 50g FW and the minimal 10g FW. Depending on the matrix, sample preparation such as mixing or milling may be required (additional cost). Please note that these packs cannot be used for woody or “hard” plant material, contact us if you are interested in these matrices. Also observe that the packages PLWVS, PLWJE and PLWUO for mussels/liver will be discontinued. Standard delivery time (TAT) is 10 working days. Express options will be added later on. All packs include PFAS4. The new PFAS packages can be ordered from 3 Jan 2022. Further information will be available in our online catalogue.

New packs:

PLW7X: PFAS 22 (DWD PFAS20 + 6:2 FTS + PFOSA)
PLW7Z: PFAS large screening pack (40+ PFAS incl GenX)

Current packs:

PLWQH: PFAS 4 (EFSA)
PLW93: PFAS 11 (Swe Food Agency, SLV)
PLWLA: PFAS 20

Contact Eurofins experts!

Questions on PFAS can be answered by Patrick van Hees: tel 010-490 8151, e-mail: patrickvanhees@eurofins.se. You can also contact our analytical advice service which can be reached via the customer support, 010-490 8110 or e-mail: SpecialBUMiljo@eurofins.se