Supermarkets Test Fish Assortment for PFAS Chemicals After Greenpeace Test

The western Austrian chain MPreis, as well as wholesalers Metro and Transgourmet, plan regular PFAS tests for their fish assortment. Hofer is also considering a testing program. SPAR, Billa, Lidl, and Iglo are already testing their fish products for PFAS. The restaurant chain Nordsee did not provide any information to the environmental organization.

Greenpeace Welcomes Tests for PFAS Chemicals

"It is very pleasing that the Austrian food trade is responding to the concerning PFAS findings and starting their own testing programs to protect consumers. However, it is completely incomprehensible that the restaurant chain Nordsee, of all places, does not want to provide information on whether their fish are tested for PFAS," said Sebastian Theissing-Matei, spokesperson for Greenpeace Austria. A Greenpeace test in October showed that all 18 samples of edible fish, mussels, and crabs from the North and Baltic Seas were contaminated with PFAS. About half of the samples were so heavily contaminated that they were not safe for young children. It remained unclear how much fish from these areas is consumed in Austria and whether Austrian companies have their fish products tested for PFAS.

Greenpeace asked the supermarkets SPAR, REWE (including Billa Plus, Billa, and Penny Markt), Hofer, Lidl, and MPreis, the wholesalers Metro and Transgourmet, as well as the food company Iglo and the restaurant chain Nordsee whether they sell fish from the affected areas and whether they regularly test them for PFAS toxins. The result shows that MPreis, Metro, and Transgourmet are introducing PFAS tests at Greenpeace's instigation. Hofer is currently considering such a program. SPAR, REWE, Lidl, and Iglo had already established corresponding testing programs. The restaurant chain Nordsee refused to provide any information. The responses also indicate that several thousand tons of fish from the North Sea land on Austrian plates annually. A more precise estimate was not possible due to incomplete information from the companies.

Greenpeace Calls for Rapid Ban on All PFAS Chemicals

Greenpeace is pleased that almost all supermarkets and wholesalers are now having their fish assortment tested for PFAS substances to ensure customer health. However, criticism is directed at the restaurant chain Nordsee, which refuses to provide any information. Only a rapid and comprehensive EU-wide ban on all PFAS chemicals can ensure real protection for people and the environment. Additionally, Greenpeace calls for regular and systematic tests for PFAS in food in Austria. At the same time, Austria urgently needs to implement its own measures, such as bans on PFAS in packaging, cosmetics, and clothing, as well as generally lower PFAS limits, as already exist in France and Denmark.

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