The real impact of PFAS on the food chain

The societal costs of PFAS pollution in Europe run into the billions. This is evident from the European Commission report The cost of PFAS pollution for our society. The findings are directly relevant to the Dutch food industry, where water, soil, and food safety are central concerns.

For 2024, the annual health costs linked to exposure to four PFAS substances—PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, and PFNA—are estimated at €39.5 billion within the European Economic Area. In addition, annual costs for soil remediation and water treatment amount to €3.8 billion. The report emphasizes that these health costs likely represent a lower bound, as only four substances were included in the assessment.

Water and food under pressure

PFAS are widespread in the environment and throughout the food chain. The report outlines potential impacts on food supply, including aquaculture, poultry, livestock farming, and pollinators. This affects primary production and, by extension, processors and buyers.

Under the business-as-usual scenario, the number of potentially contaminated sites increases from approximately 11,500 in 2024 to around 14,200 by 2050 within the EEA. More contaminated land means greater pressure on agricultural areas and production chains. The study also highlights potential impacts on aquaculture, poultry, and livestock as part of ecosystem services linked to food provision. That directly affects the primary sector and, consequently, the entire processing industry.

Treatment costs rise sharply

With stricter water quality standards, the cost profile shifts significantly. In the scenario that assumes compliance with the proposed environmental quality standards, annual treatment costs could exceed €80 billion within the EEA. These costs primarily relate to soil remediation and wastewater treatment.

The report states that in this scenario, remediation and treatment costs account for the largest share of the total quantifiable costs of PFAS pollution. Such expenses ultimately fall on governments, water utilities, and potentially industrial users.

For Dutch food companies, which depend on clean process and drinking water, this may have implications for operating costs and investments in treatment technologies. PFAS is therefore not only an environmental issue, but also a strategic supply chain concern.

Source: The cost of PFAS pollution for our society