PFAS Food Legislation Overview

Importance of the Topic

Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances PFAS are persistent environmental contaminants with widespread use and known health risks. Their presence across the food supply chain, from water and soil to food packaging, creates potential exposure for consumers. Regulation and reliable analytical testing are essential to control PFAS levels, protect public health, and ensure regulatory compliance.

Objectives and Study Overview

This overview examines global regulatory frameworks and analytical methods for PFAS testing in food and related materials. Key regions covered include the European Union, the United States, and China. The goal is to summarize major regulations, guidance documents, method protocols, and instrumentation used to detect PFAS in various food matrices.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Analytical methods for PFAS testing share common steps and instrumentation across jurisdictions

• Sample preparation: homogenization, extraction using techniques such as solid phase extraction and isotope dilution
• Cleanup procedures: removal of fats and proteins to minimize matrix interference
• Detection: liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry LC MS MS or ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography with MS MS UHPLC MS MS
• Detection limits: typically in the low parts per trillion range for comprehensive monitoring and compliance

Key instrumentation includes high performance LC MS MS systems and calibrated cleanup cartridges designed to reduce background contamination.

Main Results and Discussion

Regulatory bodies have established maximum levels for PFAS compounds in food products to minimize health risks

• European Commission Regulation EU 2023 915 sets limits for PFOS PFOA PFNA and PFHxS in meat fish eggs and offal ranging from 0.2 to 50 µg/kg
• EU Recommendation EU 2022 1431 and EURL POPs guidance reinforce data collection and harmonized analytical parameters across member states
• USDA CLG PFAS 2.04 and FDA C 010 03 methods enable detection of 16 to 30 PFAS compounds in animal tissues food and feed with ppt sensitivity
• AOAC SMPR 2023 003 defines validation criteria for PFAS testing across diverse food matrices
• State level regulations in Maine and other US states impose action levels and restrict PFAS in food packaging
• China GB 5009 253 standard and its proposed update cover PFOS PFOA and additional PFAS compounds with limits from 0.01 to 0.1 µg/kg

Laboratories face challenges including evolving regulatory requirements, risk of laboratory contamination by pervasive PFAS, and the need for continuous method updates.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The implementation of standardized PFAS testing workflows supports

• Accurate monitoring of PFAS contamination across the food chain
• Regulatory compliance and market access for food producers and packaging manufacturers
• Protection of consumer health through early detection and mitigation of PFAS exposure
• Enhanced laboratory efficiency via verified methods and reduced sample reruns

Future Trends and Possibilities

Ongoing developments are expected in

• Expanded regulatory scope covering additional PFAS compounds and stricter limits
• Harmonization of global testing standards to facilitate data comparability
• Advances in high resolution and non targeted mass spectrometry for broader PFAS screening
• Automation and digital data management for streamlined laboratory workflows
• Innovative sample preparation materials and reduced background contamination solutions

Conclusion

Global regulations for PFAS in food are converging toward stricter control and comprehensive monitoring. Reliable analytical methods based on LC MS MS and robust sample preparation are critical for accurate detection. Laboratories must adapt to evolving standards and implement validated workflows to ensure food safety and public health protection.

References

• European Union Regulation EU 2023 915 Official Journal of the European Union 2023
• European Union Recommendation EU 2022 1431 Official Journal of the European Union 2022
• European Union Reference Laboratory for POPs Guidance Document on PFAS analysis 2022
• European Union Regulation 2025 40 Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation 2026
• US Department of Agriculture FSIS CLG PFAS 2.04 Method for PFAS in meat poultry and egg products 2025
• US Food and Drug Administration Analytical method C 010 03 for PFAS in food 2025
• AOAC International SMPR 2023 003 Standard Method Performance Requirements for PFAS in Food 2023
• China GB 5009 253 National Food Safety Standard Determination of PFAS in food 2016