High levels of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) can be found in everyday cereal-based products purchased across Europe, which, according to recent research, can damage reproductive ability and fetal development, according to a joint report by the Pesticide Action Network Europe and the Hungarian Nature Conservation Association (Magyar Természetvédők Szövetsége – MTVSZ). Based on the research, the most contaminated food is a typical breakfast cereal. The TFA concentration in the foods measured was on average 107 times higher than the value measured in tap water.
The report states that TFA is an extremely persistent compound harmful for the reproductive system, and is currently not included in the regular monitoring programs of food safety authorities. The study was conducted by PAN Europe (Pesticide Action Network Europe) in collaboration with environmental NGOs and the participation of 16 European grain-producing countries. The study examined 66 conventionally produced grain-based products purchased in 16 European countries, including Hungary.
The samples included cereal flakes, popular sweets, pasta, croissants, whole-grain and white bread, and various types of flour. Since food authorities do not monitor the presence of TFAs in food, this is the first EU-wide study of its kind. In Hungary, the MTVSZ took three samples: a serving of cheese scones (pogácsa), a loaf of rye bread, and a package of rolled oats. Only the rye bread was not contaminated with TFAs. The study is built on previous reports that found high levels of TFAs in European wines and indicated the widespread contamination of tap water.
The results show that food, especially basic grains, is one of the main pathways for human exposure to TFA. During the study, TFA was detected in 81.8 percent of samples (54 out of 66) taken in 16 countries. Wheat-based products were significantly more contaminated than other cereals.
There is no established acceptable residue limit for TFA in the EU, despite recent research showing that TFA is harmful to reproduction, development, and the thyroid gland, according to MTVSZ. Therefore, the default MRL (maximum residue level) value of 0.01 mg/kg (10 μg/kg) should be applied, which is also applicable to pesticide active substances causing similar toxicity. Fifty-four of the samples exceeded this limit.
TFA is an extremely stable degradation product of many fluorinated compounds, including pesticides containing PFAS and F-gases used in refrigeration. When released into the environment, it does not break down naturally and accumulates in soil and water, which is why it is classified as a forever chemical.
According to a previous PAN Europe report, industry players systematically downplay evidence of the harmful effects of PFAS. The organization is advocating for an immediate ban on PFAS-type pesticides and recommends setting an acceptable daily intake that accounts for current toxicological uncertainties and vulnerable groups. They believe that this should be combined with EU-level TFA monitoring and support for farmers to switch to safer, non-synthetic methods for protecting their crops.
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