Why Government and Industry Must Address “Forever Chemicals” in the Food Supply
A recent study has unveiled alarming levels of PFAS “forever chemicals” in common foods like eggs, red meat, seafood, coffee, and white rice. This discovery adds to the mounting evidence that PFAS contamination in our food supply is more pervasive than previously thought.
The study, published in July 2024, analyzed blood and breast milk samples from over 1,500 mothers in New Hampshire, collected since 2009. Researchers found that for every one standard deviation increase in daily egg intake, participants saw a 4.4 percent increase in PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate) in their bloodstream, along with increases in other PFAS chemicals. Similar concentration increases were observed among those consuming high quantities of white rice, red meat, coffee, and seafood.
Understanding PFAS
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of synthetic chemicals that have been used in various industries since the 1940s. Their persistence in the environment and the human body has earned them the moniker "forever chemicals." Today, PFAS are found in the blood of an estimated 98 percent of Americans, raising significant health and environmental concerns.
PFAS in the Food Supply Chain
In the food supply chain, PFAS contamination occurs through multiple routes. The recent study highlighting PFAS in common foods is just the tip of the iceberg. Another concerning pathway is through pesticides. A separate study found that 14 percent of all active ingredients in pesticides are PFAS. These chemicals are intentionally added to improve pesticide effectiveness and longevity in the field, but at what cost to our health and environment?
The Far-Reaching Impact of PFAS
While the increasing prevalence of PFAS in our food supply is concerning, the scope of the PFAS problem extends far beyond our dinner plates. These chemicals are present in countless consumer products, from non-stick cookware to water-resistant clothing. They've contaminated water sources across the country and have been linked to a range of health issues, including cancer, thyroid disease, liver damage, and fertility problems. The economic toll of PFAS contamination is staggering, with health care and cleanup expenses estimated to cost billions of dollars.
Legislative and Regulatory Efforts to Address PFAS
The PFAS Action Act, introduced in December 2023, represents a significant bipartisan effort to combat PFAS contamination. This comprehensive legislation aims to protect Americans from harmful forever chemicals through a multi-faceted approach.
Key provisions of the Act include establishing a national drinking water standard for select PFAS chemicals, accelerating the designation of PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances, and limiting industrial discharge. The bill also provides $200 million annually to assist water utilities and wastewater treatment facilities in addressing PFAS contamination. Additionally, it requires the EPA to establish comprehensive PFAS health testing and creates a voluntary label for PFAS in cookware.
Regulatory Action
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has also taken steps to address PFAS contamination. In April 2024, the EPA finalized new rules setting strict limits on six PFAS chemicals in public drinking water. This historic action is expected to reduce PFAS exposure for approximately 100 million people and prevent thousands of deaths and illnesses.
To support these efforts, the Biden-Harris Administration is making nearly $1 billion in funding available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help states and territories implement PFAS testing and treatment at public water systems. This is part of a larger $9 billion investment to help communities with drinking water impacted by PFAS and other emerging contaminants.
Challenges and Future Directions
Despite these positive steps, challenges remain. The chemical industry's significant lobbying efforts have influenced the regulatory process. One report revealed that the industry spent over $110 million on lobbying from 2019-2022, much of it related to PFAS legislation. This highlights the need for continued vigilance and public pressure to ensure that public health interests are prioritized over industry profits.
Looking ahead, more comprehensive action is needed to address all sources of PFAS contamination, including those in the food supply chain. The recent discovery of PFAS in pesticides used on common food crops underscores the complexity of the problem and the need for a holistic approach to regulation.
As these regulatory and legislative efforts progress, the food industry must prepare for increased scrutiny and stricter standards. Companies that proactively address PFAS contamination in their supply chains and products will be better positioned to meet future regulatory requirements and maintain consumer trust. The challenge of PFAS contamination presents an opportunity for innovation in safer alternatives and more sustainable practices across the food industry.