PFAS in food production
Project overview
Participants
More related research
Global goals
- 3. Good health and well-being
- 12. Responsible consumption and production
- 15. Life on land
Short summary
PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” are present in the environment and can accumulate in food, posing health risks. We are investigating how PFAS are transmitted to beef cattle by sampling farms and animals, with the aim of reducing risks, strengthening food safety, and improving monitoring.
Background
PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” are persistent environmental pollutants that can accumulate in food. Because PFAS have been used for a long time in many products, low levels of PFAS are found throughout the environment. High levels may be found near industries that manufacture PFAS or near areas where PFAS have been used extensively, such as at fire training grounds. Outside Sweden, this has led to elevated levels in beef and milk. Knowledge about when levels in the environment can become a problem for food production is limited.
Aim
The project investigates how PFAS are transferred from soil, feed, and drinking water to cattle, and further examines how PFAS are distributed among different organs in cattle.
Objective
The goal is to develop models and knowledge that improve risk assessment, simplify monitoring, and provide concrete guidelines. In this way, risks can be reduced, food safety can be strengthened, and decision-makers can obtain a better basis for future monitoring when PFAS may pose a problem (and when they do not!).
Publications related to the project
Are you curious to learn more? Below is a selection of what has been published so far as part of the project.