PFAS found in Tesco foods: What you need to know about these harmful chemicals

A comprehensive study has uncovered the presence of PFAS in various Tesco products, raising significant health concerns about these persistent chemicals.

A recent analysis has uncovered per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)commonly known as forever chemicalsin a wide range of Tesco products. This finding has sparked concerns about potential health risks associated with long-term exposure to these persistent chemicals.

The study, conducted by Foodrise and researchers from the University of Birminghamtested 30 everyday food items from Tesco, including fish, meat, dairy, and eggs.

The results showed that every single sample contained detectable levels of PFAS, with some products exhibiting particularly high concentrations.

High levels of PFAS in popular Tesco products

The analysis revealed that Tesco boneless cod fillets had the highest concentration of PFAS at 1.198 nanograms per gram (ng/g), followed closely by Tesco sardines in brine at 1.192 ng/g.

Other products with significant PFAS levels included turkey sausages (0.899 ng/g), Kingsfood hotdogs in brine (0.838 ng/g), and Tesco smoked mackerel fillets (0.605 ng/g).

While the detected amounts are extremely small, the persistent nature of PFAS means they can accumulate in the human body over time.

This raises concerns about the potential health impacts of long-term exposure, even at low levels. The European Food Safety Authority has set a tolerable weekly intake limit for certain PFAS at 4.4 nanograms per kilogram of body weight, but some scientists argue that these limits may not fully account for the cumulative effects of lifelong exposure.

The health risks of PFAS exposure

PFAS are a group of more than 5,000 man-made chemicals known for their persistence in the environment and their ability to build up in the human body. Research has linked exposure to these chemicals with a range of health issues, including liver damagecancers such as kidney and testicular cancer, and pregnancy complications. The chemicals can enter the food chain through contaminated water and soil, as well as through food packaging and processing.

Carina Millstoneexecutive director of Foodrise, expressed shock at the findings, stating that Tesco must take immediate steps to remove PFAS from its products. ‘We were absolutely not expecting that [finding PFAS in every sample], and it’s really worrying that they are present in fish in particular,’ she said. ‘We know the government tells us we should be having two portions of fish a week. They were also in family favourites such as turkey sausages or hot dogs, and in milk.’

Regulatory response and industry action

The findings come as the UK government has unveiled a plan to address the challenges posed by PFAS. In February, Environment minister Emma Hardy announced the PFAS Plan, which aims to reduce the harmful effects of these chemicals while transitioning to safer alternatives. The plan involves working in partnership with regulators, industry, and local communities to ensure that PFAS do not pose a long-term problem.

In response to the study, a Tesco spokesperson stated that the company takes the safety of its products very seriously and that all products and packaging comply with relevant UK and EU legislation. Tesco has also reviewed the claims from Foodrise and confirmed that the products tested are below legal limits for PFAS. The company is working closely with its suppliers to meet incoming EU legislation for food packaging.

Despite these assurances, campaigners are calling for greater action to address the presence of PFAS in food products. Foodrise has urged Tesco to recall products found to contain high levels of PFAS and review its food safety standards. The campaign group has also criticised Tesco for not acting on a petition signed by almost 12,000 people calling on major supermarkets to remove PFAS from food packaging.

The study highlights the urgent need for wider monitoring of PFAS in food items and the broader environment. As the debate around these harmful chemicals continues, retailers, manufacturers, and regulators face growing pressure to improve monitoring and transparency to protect public health and the environment.