The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has recommended that trifluoroacetic acid (TFA)—a "forever chemical" detected in food and water supplies—be classified as toxic to human reproduction and the environment. The agency’s risk assessment committee advised the European Commission that the substance is "persistent, mobile and toxic," posing long-term risks to groundwater and fertility.
The Classification of TFA as a Persistent Pollutant
TFA is a subset of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that do not break down in the environment or the human body. The agency’s recommendation rests on the chemical’s extreme mobility, which allows it to travel through soil and water systems, leading to widespread, long-lasting contamination. ECHA further specified that the chemical should be classified as "toxic to reproduction," citing its potential to impair sexual function, fertility and development.
Chemical Contamination in Irish Cereals
Public concern regarding TFA intensified following research by the Pesticide Action Network Europe, which analyzed 66 cereal-based products across 16 countries. The study identified Irish breakfast cereals as having the highest levels of TFA among the products tested. The findings included high concentrations in other European staples, such as Belgian wholemeal bread, German wheat flour, and a French baguette.
The Irish Department of Health questioned the scope of this study, describing it as "non-peer-reviewed" and noting that it involved a small number of products of "unknown origin." The department stated that the study does not establish the prevalence of the chemical in Irish-produced grain-based foods.
Detection of TFA in English Water Sources
Data shared with The i Paper confirms that TFA is present in water systems in England. Recent tests conducted by the Environment Agency (EA) found the chemical in every one of 50 surface water sites tested between March and July 2024. Additionally, 43 out of 49 groundwater sites tested positive for the substance.
Regulatory Path and Future Oversight
The European Commission and member states are now tasked with reviewing the ECHA recommendation to determine necessary labeling requirements and safety regulations. In Ireland, the Department of Health noted that TFA can originate from the breakdown of refrigerant gases and certain plant protection products, complicating the regulatory response.
The Department of Health and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland have committed to monitoring EU-level developments to assess implications for consumer protection. The issue remains a cross-departmental concern, involving the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Environment.
Common Questions Regarding Forever Chemicals
What makes TFA a "forever chemical"?
TFA is a type of PFAS, a group of man-made chemicals characterized by their inability to break down in the environment or human body. Because they can persist in the environment for thousands of years, they build up over time to potentially toxic levels.
Are there currently legal limits for TFA in water?
There are no regulations limiting the level of TFA in water sources in the UK, according to The i Paper. However, two-fifths of water sites tested by the EA breached new limits set by the European Union.
Where does TFA come from?
TFA is a synthetic chemical used in the manufacturing of foams, plastics, disinfectants, and pesticides for plants. It also occurs as a byproduct when certain refrigerant gases and active substances in plant protection products break down.