Overall, PFAS are widespread and detectable in low concentrations in all food categories. However, the foodstuffs available on the Swiss market largely comply with the maximum value limits currently in force, Swiss authorities say.
Keystone-SDA
The Swiss authorities have analysed almost 900 food products of animal origin for the presence of PFAS, so-called “forever chemicals”. Only seven samples showed values above the authorised limit.
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They concerned beef (five samples), chicken’s egg (one) and fish (one). This represents 0.8% of the meat, fish and egg samples analysed in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, the Federal Office for Food Safety and Veterinary Affairs (FOSV) said on Monday in a joint press release with the Association of Cantonal Chemists.
Overall, perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl compounds (PFAS) are widespread and detectable in low concentrations in all food categories. However, the foodstuffs available on the Swiss market largely comply with the maximum value limits currently in force.
In the case of non-compliant samples, the cantonal chemists have ordered measures to be taken to ensure that the maximum values are not exceeded in future.
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Dairy products
As part of their checks, the cantonal chemists took 889 samples, including 401 of meat, 282 of eggs and 206 of fish, from various companies. Around 70% came from Switzerland or Liechtenstein and 30% were imported.
The OSAV also analysed 276 samples of milk and milk products, for which there are no legal maximum values. PFAS were found in all products. Two milk samples and one yoghurt sample exceeded the guideline value set by the European Union.
PFAS are a group of poorly degradable chemicals that have been manufactured industrially for decades. They are detectable in the food chain and pose a potential risk to human health.
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‘We must break the taboo that ‘forever chemicals’ are indispensable’
Translated from French by DeepL/sb
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