An international study has shown that European seafood is high in PFAS, and that fish exports expose consumers in regions of the world with otherwise low levels of pollution to harmful “forever chemicals.”
Some EU and UK food law changes in development could arrive sooner than expected, and others will take more time to go into effect. This article discusses food law changes to watch for in 2026.
Addressing the need for efficient, inexpensive, and sustainable PFAS defluorination techniques, researchers from Ritsumeikan University, Japan have demonstrated the promise of near-UV light plus ligand-capped zinc oxide (ZnO) nanocrystals as a possible solution to PFAS recycling and remediation challenges.
FDA shared results of sampling and testing for PFAS conducted under the Total Diet Study in 2024. “Forever chemicals” were detected in 39 of 542 samples, with the highest concentrations in samples of shrimp, clams, catfish, and tilapia.
German Federal researchers have developed a rapid, onsite detection system for PFAS in water samples. Its cost-effectiveness and ease-of-use make it a potentially scalable solution for authorities and industry to monitor and remediate “forever chemical” contamination.
Researchers with the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station have demonstrated that the use of iron-fortified hemp biochar made from agricultural waste can significantly reduce the amount of toxic PFAS “forever chemicals” taken up by food crops grown in contaminated soil.
The French agency ANSES published the results of a two-year, national sampling and testing assignment for “forever chemicals” in drinking water, which was conducted to inform future monitoring strategies. Although most analyzed samples fell below regulatory limits for PFAS, TFA was found in 92 percent of samples.
Although elevated levels of some PFAS were found in the blood of people who ate more highly processed foods, people who ate minimally process foods showed elevated levels of other PFAS compounds—suggesting that dietary choices cannot protect people from “forever chemicals,” and that systemic solutions are needed.
The French National Agency for Food, Environmental, and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES) has proposed an expanded monitoring scheme for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) based on a first-of-its-kind inventory of PFAS contamination and toxicity, comprising more than 247 “forever chemicals.”
In his veto letter, Gov. Gavin Newsom said he agreed with Senate Bill 682’s goal of phasing-out “forever chemicals” from consumer products, but said the bill would sacrifice Californians' ability to afford household products like cookware.
