Eternity Chemical TFA Detected in Austrian Wheat Products

The study published today by the Pesticide Action Network (PAN) Europe and GLOBAL 2000 shows: The reproductive harmful forever chemical TFA, a degradation product of PFAS pesticides, has reached grain products across Europe. Residues of the chemical were detected in 54 out of 66 samples. "The results are alarming," confirms Dr. Helmut Burtscher-Schaden, environmental chemist at GLOBAL 2000. "Reproductive harmful chemicals in food are unacceptable. Especially for the protection of children and pregnant women, we need an immediate ban on PFAS pesticides to curb the further accumulation of TFA."

Wheat products particularly affected

The environmentalists examined 66 products from 16 European countries. With shocking results: Over 80% of the tested products showed TFA residues. Peak levels are up to 360 µg/kg - about 100 times higher than the average TFA level in European drinking water. Wheat products such as bread, baguette, pasta, and breakfast cereals are particularly affected.

TFA on the breakfast table and in schnitzel

For Austria, GLOBAL 2000 examined Kaisersemmeln, Kornspitz, and breadcrumbs. The results confirm the Austrian study by GLOBAL 2000 and the AK Upper Austria from June 2025: The products are consistently contaminated with TFA. "We now see across Europe what we have already proven in Austria: TFA primarily enters water, soils, plants - and finally onto our plates through PFAS pesticides."

Already Classified as Reproductive Hazard in Germany

German authorities have already classified TFA as a reproductive hazard. The Federal Office for Chemicals in Germany assumes that TFA can harm the child in the womb and is likely to impair fertility. Studies show effects on the thyroid and liver, prenatal development, and sperm quality.

The standard EU limit for reproductive harmful substances in food is 10 µg/kg. The results of the current study show: 54 out of 66 samples exceed this limit - that is more than 80% of the tested products. "Our results clearly show: All people are exposed to TFA through food and drinking water. A rapid ban on PFAS pesticides is needed to prevent further contamination of the food chain," demands Salomé Roynel, Policy Officer at PAN Europe.

GLOBAL 2000 Demands Ban on PFAS Pesticides

TFA is mainly formed during the breakdown of PFAS pesticides in agriculture as well as from fluorinated refrigerants (F-gases). Due to its extreme persistence, TFA accumulates in water, soils, and plants worldwide. "As long as PFAS pesticides remain approved in Europe, TFA contamination continues to rise - in our soils, groundwater, and our food," warns Burtscher-Schaden from GLOBAL 2000. "Denmark has demonstrated that a rapid ban is possible. Sweden and Norway are about to follow. We expect Austria to join this line as well."

(Red)

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