EFSA lowers safe limit for TFA in food

EFSA is lowering the safe limit for trifluoroacetic acid in food. This is relevant to the food sector. TFA can form when PFAS substances break down. Certain pesticides may also play a role. TFA can enter the food chain through groundwater, soil and food crops.

Lower daily intake

The European Food Safety Authority is lowering the acceptable daily intake of TFA. The new value is 0.014 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day. Previously, it was 0.05 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. This makes the limit roughly 3.5 times lower.

EFSA is also setting an acute reference dose. This is 0.07 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. The adjustment follows new scientific evidence. This shows, among other things, that TFA affects thyroxine. This hormone is produced by the thyroid gland. It plays an important role in regulating the body.

PFAS and pesticides

TFA has several sources. The substance can form when PFAS substances break down. This also applies to some active substances in pesticides. As a result, TFA can occur in groundwater, soil and food crops.

EU Member States must monitor PFAS levels in drinking water. Other programs monitor PFAS levels in food. The European Commission and EU Member States will use the new EFSA values in discussions on possible measures.

Further research

EFSA used data from several sources. These included assessments of pesticide products by EU countries. Previous EFSA assessments, ECHA studies and industry data were also included.

During the public consultation, EFSA received 177 comments. These were addressed in the final report. EFSA also identifies topics for further research. These include possible long-term effects, carcinogenicity and effects on immune system development.

Efsa.europa.eu