PFAS Testing: Is a Storm Brewing?

Význam tématu

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental contaminants with documented links to immunotoxicity, endocrine disruption, renal disorders and cancer. Their widespread use in nonstick coatings, water-resistant finishes and food packaging poses challenges for the food and beverage industry as regulators in the EU, UK and US consider stricter limits or blanket bans. Effective analytical solutions are essential to monitor PFAS levels in raw materials, process water, packaging and finished products and to mitigate consumer health risks and legal liabilities.

Cíle a přehled studie / článku

This review article examines recent regulatory proposals in Europe to ban all PFAS, existing limits in food matrices across regions, emerging litigation threats and the analytical difficulties in detecting a growing number of PFAS congeners. It discusses strategic testing approaches throughout the supply chain and surveys state-of-the-art detection technologies and workflows.

Použitá metodika a instrumentace

The article outlines both targeted and non-targeted analysis workflows, sample preparation techniques and fluorine-specific assays:

• Targeted LC-MS/MS for quantifying priority PFAS (PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS).
• High-resolution LC-MS for suspect screening and non-targeted discovery.
• Ion chromatography-MS for short-chain species like trifluoroacetic acid.
• GC-HRMS for volatile and semi-volatile PFAS.
• Oxidative precursor assays (TOP) to reveal hidden PFAS precursors.
• Total/Extractable/Adsorbable organic fluorine (TOF/EOF/AOF) for mass balance assessments.
• Particle-induced gamma-ray emission (PIGE) and advanced spectroscopies (μ-XRF, μ-XANES) for solid samples.
• Ambient ionization methods (DESI-MS, DART-MS) for surface screening.

Použitá instrumentace

• Liquid chromatography coupled to tandem and high-resolution mass spectrometers
• Ion chromatography-mass spectrometry systems
• Gas chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry
• Particle-induced gamma-ray emission detectors
• Micro X-ray fluorescence and X-ray absorption spectrometers
• Desorption electrospray ionization and direct analysis in real time sources
• Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance and nuclear magnetic resonance instruments

Hlavní výsledky a diskuse

The regulatory review shows that EFSA has set a total weekly intake of 4.4 ng/kg for four PFAS, while EU guidelines cover 23 compounds. UK limits remain fragmentary and the US lacks federal food regulations. Litigation over PFAS in packaging and food is increasing, but proving causality and identifying unknown congeners requires robust analytical standards—of which only ~100 pure PFAS standards currently exist. In-source fragmentation and lack of authentic reference materials complicate non-targeted workflows. Experts advocate a value-chain testing strategy from raw materials through final product to ensure compliance and brand protection.

Přínosy a praktické využití metody

Comprehensive PFAS testing enhances consumer safety, ensures regulatory compliance, reduces litigation risk and supports sustainable supply chain management. Strategic testing protocols enable early detection of contamination sources (e.g., solvents, packaging, equipment) and guide process controls and equipment decontamination initiatives.

Budoucí trendy a možnosti využití

• Expansion of non-targeted and suspect screening using HRMS and advanced data analysis to uncover novel PFAS.
• Development of certified reference materials and labeled standards to improve quantitation.
• Integration of fluorine mass balance assays (EOF/AOF) with targeted methods for comprehensive screening.
• Pre-market “benign by design” assessments to prevent PFAS introduction into new materials.
• Automated workflows combining multi-technique data for rapid screening in complex matrices.

Závěr

The combination of tightening regulations, growing litigation and analytical complexities underscores the need for robust, multi-technique PFAS testing strategies in the food industry. Early investment in comprehensive workflows and reference materials will help companies manage risks, comply with evolving standards and protect consumer health.

Reference

• Z Habib et al., Pollutants, 4 (1), 136–153 (2024). DOI:10.3390/pollutants4010009.