Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often dubbed “forever chemicals,” are now identified as a significant and escalating threat to global food security, according to recent scientific findings. The study, published in Science of the Total Environment, warns that persistent PFAS contamination is infiltrating agricultural systems worldwide, with potential consequences for crop yields, livestock health, and human nutrition. For professionals across the manufacturing value chain—particularly those in food production, packaging, and chemical manufacturing—this development underscores urgent compliance and risk management challenges.
PFAS Contamination in Agriculture
PFAS are a group of over 4,700 synthetic chemicals prized for their durability and resistance to heat, water, and oil. However, these same properties mean they do not degrade naturally, accumulating in soils, water, and living organisms.
Agricultural exposure occurs via multiple pathways: irrigation with contaminated water, biosolids used as fertiliser, atmospheric deposition from industrial emissions, and packaging materials that leach PFAS into food. The research highlights contamination hotspots near manufacturing plants, firefighting foam training sites, and wastewater treatment facilities.
Impacts on Food Systems
PFAS have been linked to soil degradation, reduced microbial diversity, and plant uptake that transfers contamination up the food chain. Livestock fed on contaminated feed or grazing on polluted pastures can accumulate PFAS in meat, milk, and eggs, directly affecting human dietary exposure.
The study cites cases where PFAS levels in agricultural produce exceeded regulatory limits, leading to market withdrawals and economic losses for farmers. With global food systems already under strain from climate change and geopolitical instability, PFAS contamination poses an additional layer of systemic risk.
Regulatory and Industry Implications
Across Europe and North America, regulatory bodies are moving towards stricter PFAS controls. Proposed EU restrictions could phase out most PFAS uses, with exemptions only for critical applications lacking viable alternatives. In the US, the Environmental Protection Agency is setting enforceable drinking water standards for key PFAS compounds.
For manufacturers and supply chain operators, the findings reinforce the need for proactive PFAS monitoring, substitution strategies, and supplier engagement. The costs of inaction include potential liability, reputational damage, and disruption of export markets due to non-compliance with foreign PFAS regulations.
Broader Stakeholder Concerns
The implications extend beyond agriculture. Food packaging producers, water utilities, and industrial chemical users face increased scrutiny. Cross-sector collaboration will be vital to manage PFAS contamination effectively, requiring investment in detection technologies, remediation methods, and safer chemical alternatives.
