The FDA is updating information on PFAS testing in the general food supply. The agency is estimating dietary exposure to PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) for American consumers. The FDA has been testing fresh and processed foods for these chemicals since 2019. Nearly 1300 samples from a wide range of foods have been tested. PFAS include chemicals that resist grease, oil, water, and heat. They were first used in the 1940s and are now in hundreds of products. Some PFAS are authorized by the FDA for limited use in food packaging, cookware, and food processing equipment. Accumulation of some PFAS does occur in humans and animals. And some types of PFAS have been associated with serious health problems. Of 95 samples tested, the FDA detected PFAS in eight samples. They … [Read more...]
First Ever National Drinking Water Standard Targets PFAS
A first ever national drinking water standard targets PFAS (per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances), known as forever chemicals, according to the EPA. The Biden Administration issued the new standard on April 10, 2024. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to cancer, liver and heart effects, and immune health. This rule will refuse PFAS exposure for about 100 million Americans, prevent thousands of deaths and reduce serious illnesses. The EPA is making funding available to help ensure that communities can make improvements to infrastructure. This investment is through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan said in a statement, "Drinking water contaminated with PFAS has plagued communities across this country for too long. That is why President Biden has … [Read more...]
Fish Consumption Guidance For Mississippi River Updated by DOH
Fish consumption guidance for the Mississippi River south of the metro Twin Cities has been updated by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). The problem is that a mixture of pollutants, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), have been found in fish tissue. PFAS are harmful chemicals that can accumulate in fish and animals and in people. They resist oil, water, grease, and heat and are used in water-resistant fabrics, paints, and cleaning products. Some PFAS are authorized for use in food packaging, cookware, and food processing equipment. PFAS are linked to various cancers and developmental effects in children. The chemicals have been used for decades and do not degrade or break down in the environment. The state has been taking action to eliminate PFAS. The … [Read more...]
FDA Issues Import Alert For Foods with Chemical Contaminants
The FDA issues import alert for foods with chemical contaminants including PFAS, benzene, dioxins, and PCBs. PFAS are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, while PCBs are polychlorinated biphenyls. PFAS in the environment can get into the food supply through plants and animals that are grown or raised or processed in contaminated areas. Very small amounts of some types of PFAS can get into foods through food packaging, processing, and cookware. Exposure to high levels of PFAS can affect the immune system. Other health effects may include increases in cholesterol levels, pregnancy-induced hypertension, lower antibody response to some vaccines, and kidney and testicular cancer. Studies to confirm these effects are ongoing. PCBs are synthetic organochlorine chemicals that used to … [Read more...]
EWG Study: Eating One Freshwater Fish a Month Problematic
A new study from Environmental Working Group (EWG) says that eating one freshwater fish a month is equivalent to a month of drinking water contaminated with forever chemicals, or PFOS, at levels that might be harmful to your health. PFOS, or perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, is one of the so-called "forever chemicals" because they do not break down in the environment. PFOS are found in food packaging, nonstick cookware, firefighting goats, and waterproof clothing. They, along with other PFAS chemicals, have been linked with the development of testicular and kidney cancer, weakened immunity, low birth weight, and endocrine disruption, along with fertility problems, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. These chemicals are everywhere, including in our food and our bodies. … [Read more...]
Crown Prince Smoked Baby Clams Recalled For PFAS Chemicals
Crown Prince Smoked Baby Clams are being recalled because they contain detectable levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that can cause serious health problems, according to FDA test results. The FDA recently released results about PFAS in seafood, stating that clams imported from China were a particular concern. No illnesses have been reported to the company to date in connection with the consumption of this item. The recalling firm is Crown Prince, Inc. PFAS are man made chemicals that are used in consumer and industrial products. They can accumulate in the environment and in the human body. Exposure to these chemicals is linked to increased cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, pre-eclampsia in pregnant women, development effects, decreases in immune response, … [Read more...]
Bumble Bee Smoked Clams Recalled For PFAS Chemicals
Bumble Bee Smoked Clams are being recalled because they have detectable levels of PFAS chemicals. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are man-made chemicals used in consumer and industrial products that can accumulate in the body and in the environment, which is how clams and other types of seafood become contaminated. The recall was issued after the company was informed about FDA test results. There are associations between PFAS exposure and human health problems including developmental effects, decreases in immune response, changes in liver function, increases in certain types of cancer, increased cholesterol levels, increases in high blood pressure, and increases in preeclampsia in pregnant women. Children are more susceptible to problems with these types of compounds. No … [Read more...]
FDA Results on PFAS in Seafood; Canned Clams From China A Concern
FDA results on PFAS in seafood were released yesterday, with the finding that the percentage of seafood samples with detectable PFAS were higher than the general food supply obtained from FDA's Total Diet Study. Canned clams imported from China were a particular concern. PFAS are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which include perfluorooctanoic acid acid (PFOA). Exposure to that chemical is associated with developmental effects, reduced immune response, changes to liver function, and increases in some types of cancer. Seafood may be at increased risk for PFAS contamination from the environment. This "limited survey" was conducted as a first step to see if that agency needs to conduct a more targeted or larger study on PFAS in seafood. Eighty-one samples of clams, cod, … [Read more...]
FDA Announces Voluntary Phase Out of PFAS Used in Food Packaging
The FDA is announcing a voluntary phase out of PFAs that are used in some types of food packaging. PFAS are short chain per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances that contain 6:2 fluorotelomer alcohol. This is often used as grease-proofing agents on paper and paper board food packaging. Food safety experts are concerned that the use of these compounds in food packaging. Since paper and paperboard come into contact with food, experts think the chemicals may migrate into the food. PFAS are very persistent, which means they don't break down and can accumulate over time. In animals, PFAS have caused reproductive, developmental, liver and kidney, and immunological effects. They have also caused tumors in animals. In human studies, PFAS can cause increased cholesterol levels, and more … [Read more...]
