PFAS in Food: Regulations, Analytical Challenges, and Case Studies
Join Waters experts as they explore EU regulations on PFAS in food, analytical challenges across complex matrices, and case studies with renowned food testing labs.
baby chewing cucumber resizedPer- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental contaminants that accumulate in food and pose growing concerns for regulators, laboratories, and consumers. In response, the European Commission has introduced stringent recommendations and regulations, including (EU) 2022/1431 and (EU) 2023/915, which define limits and monitoring requirements for PFAS in food, particularly animal-origin products and infant foods.
Analysing PFAS in food is scientifically demanding. Complex matrices, the diversity of PFAS structures, and strict LOQ requirements create significant analytical challenges. From fruits and vegetables to fish and baby food, laboratories face issues such as matrix effects, contamination risks, and separation of branched versus linear isomers. Eggs, in particular, represent a challenging case study due to their dense protein and fat content, yet are increasingly tested for PFAS exposure linked to environmental and dietary factors.
This webinar will provide essential regulatory context, discuss critical analytical obstacles, and share practical insights into achieving accurate, robust results across diverse food types. Case studies will highlight sensitivity requirements, method performance, and analysis results, illustrating the complexities of PFAS testing and the innovations helping laboratories succeed.
Attendees will gain both a broad perspective and actionable strategies to meet compliance requirements and advance food safety testing.
Key learning points
- Understand EU regulatory requirements and recommendations for PFAS monitoring in food.
- Explore analytical challenges including matrix effects, LOQs, and isomer separation.
- Learn from case studies on PFAS detection in fish, fruits, and baby food.
- Gain insights into method performance, calibration, and quality assurance guidance.
- Discover how environmental and dietary factors influence PFAS exposure in food.
- Engage with experts and get practical answers to PFAS testing questions.
Presenter: Claudia Rathmann (Principal F&E Market Development Manager – Waters Corporation)
Experienced and passionate analytical science professional with over 20 years of technical and strategic expertise in food and environmental applications. Currently serving as Principal Market Development Manager at Waters Corporation, Claudia specialiszes in connecting customers with product management to deliver innovative solutions for complex analytical challenges. With a strong scientific foundation and a proven track record in both technical and marketing roles, Claudia bridges the gap between customer needs and product innovation across the EMEA region.
