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Steven has a BSc in Pharmacology and a Masters in Bioscience from the University of Leeds, as well as a Ph.D. in Pharmacy from the University of Nottingham. After finishing his Ph.D. he spent two years working at an agency as a medical writer. Wanting to further develop his communication skills he joined Technology Networks as a science writer in 2023. In his current role, he is responsible for creating custom written content and also contributes to the development of digital content.
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are synthetic chemicals present in different consumer goods that persist in the environment and accumulate in our bodies. These “forever chemicals” have infiltrated our food supply through contaminated soil, water and packaging materials.
This infographic outlines why PFAS have become a growing concern and why accurate detection is important in protecting public health.
Download this infographic to discover:
Where PFAS hide in our food
Current PFAS detection methods in food
Why accurate detection matters
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are synthetic chemicals present
in different consumer goods that persist in the environment and accumulate
in our bodies. These “forever chemicals” have infiltrated our food supply
through contaminated soil, water and packaging materials.1,2
This infographic outlines why PFAS has become a growing concern and why
accurate detection is important in protecting public health.
PFAS are synthetic chemicals designed to last forever
– and they do. These chemicals are widely used in
manufacturing non-stick cookware, waterproof
clothing, stain-resistant fabrics, food packaging
and firefighting foams. Their strong carbon–
fluorine bonds make them resistant to
degradation, but this resistance comes
with downsides.3
The forever chemical problem
Persistence Health impact Bioaccumulation
The Hidden Threat
on Your Plate
PFAS
in Food
Because they are resistant
to natural breakdown,
they can persist in the
environment for hundreds
of years.
Long term PFAS exposure
can have severe side
effects, some of which
are linked to cancer, liver
damage and immune
system suppression.4
These “forever chemicals” are a growing global health issue,
contaminating our food, soil and water. Cutting-edge tools are
being developed to help fight against PFAS contamination.
PFAS contamination appears in unexpected places and is becoming a worryingly
common food contaminant.5 Reducing this contamination can be challenging because
PFAS exposure occurs through multiple pathways.
Testing for PFAS in food presents unique challenges due to the complexity
of food matrices and the ultra-low concentrations that need to be detected.
Current analytical approaches include7:
PFAS analysis is a rapidly changing landscape and is becoming more important
for those who want to fight against food contamination and protect public
health. But a combination of factors is making it a rapidly changing landscape:
PFAS detection requires unprecedented analytical precision, with regulatory
limits set at single digit or sub parts-per-trillion (ppt) levels. This level of
detection creates challenges for researchers trying to ensure food safety.
Learn more about the importance of these precision tools.
Their resistance to
breakdown also means
they accumulate in the
human body over time.
Environmental
exposure
Stricter
regulations
Food packaging
Public
awareness
Bioaccumulation
Industry
response
Contaminated soil,
irrigation water and
air can increase PFAS
accumulation in crops and
livestock.
New Environmental Protection
Agency limits require enhanced
detection capabilities.
Grease-resistant and
waterproof coatings
often contain PFAS
compounds.
Growing concern about
food contamination
drives testing demand.
PFAS from
contaminated feed
and water can
become concentrated
within animals in the
food chain.6
Food producers investing
in comprehensive PFAS
screening.
Where PFAS hide in our food
Current PFAS detection
methods in food
Protecting public health
Why accurate detection matters
Liquid chromatography–mass
Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Sample preparation Method validation
The gold standard method for PFAS
analysis, capable of detecting multiple PFAS
compounds simultaneously.
Complex extraction procedures
to isolate PFAS from food
matrices while avoiding crosscontamination.
Rigorous validation
protocols to ensure
reliability across different
food types.
PFAS contamination is prevalent even in unexpected products
like seafood, poultry, vegetables and fruits due to exposure
to soil, water and air. Additionally, packaging materials often
contain PFAS layers for grease and water resistance. It’s crucial
that testing agents (like ultrapure water) and materials do not
contaminate the sample.
Learn more about PFAS contamination and its impacts
Ultra-trace levels
Sample
contamination
False positives
Technical sub-ppt detection
requirements push
analytical limits.
Testing agents and materials
must be PFAS-free.
Contaminated lab water
can compromise results.
Stay informed. Stay safe. And choose lab equipment that helps
detect the invisible threats even in ppt or sub-ppt levels.
Discover more resources for PFAS detection
References
1. Bonato T, Pal T, Benna C, Di Maria F. Contamination of the terrestrial food chain by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and related human
health risks: A systematic review. Science of The Total Environment. 2025;961:178337. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.178337
2. Ohoro CR, Ngole-Jeme VM. PFAS Contamination and Its Rising Toll on Food Security: A Hidden Global Threat. Food Control. Published online July
31, 2025:111611. doi:10.1016/j.foodcont.2025.111611
3. Hela Rekik, Arab H, Pichon L, Ali M, Drogui P. Per-and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) Eternal pollutants: sources, environmental impacts and treatment
processes. Chemosphere. Published online April 1, 2024:142044-142044. doi:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142044
4. eBioMedicine. Forever chemicals: the persistent effects of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances on human health. eBioMedicine.
2023;95:104806. doi:10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104806
5. Teymourian T, Teymoorian T, Kowsari E, Ramakrishna S. A review of emerging PFAS contaminants: sources, fate, health risks, and a
comprehensive assortment of recent sorbents for PFAS treatment by evaluating their mechanism. Research on Chemical Intermediates.
2021;47(12):4879-4914. doi:10.1007/s11164-021-04603-7
6. Maria-Eleni Dimitrakopoulou, Manos Karvounis, Marinos G, et al. Comprehensive analysis of PFAS presence from environment to plate. npj
Science of Food. 2024;8(1). doi:10.1038/s41538-024-00319-1
7. Nutrition C for FS and A. Testing Food for PFAS and Assessing Dietary Exposure. FDA. Published online October 13, 2023. https://www.fda.gov/food/
process-contaminants-food/testing-food-pfas-and-assessing-dietary-exposure Accessed: August 5 2025
PFAS
Steven Gibney, PhD
Illustrated by AnnaMaria Vasco
Insight
Insight
Arium® lab water systems deliver ultrapure water free from organic and
inorganic impurities – including PFAS for sensitive LCMS Analysis.
Ideal for analytical labs following EPA 533, EPA 537.1, EDA 1633, or other
regulatory methods, they ensure accurate, reliable and consistant results
across multiple tests when screening food samples for contamination.
Discover how Sartorius supports safer food testing.
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