- PFAS found in more than half of animal food
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as "forever chemicals," were found in more than half of animal-derived food samples tested in Saxony in 2023. "This is not a Saxon-specific issue, but rather a European-wide trend," said Jens Albrecht, President of the Saxon State Institute of Health (LUA), while presenting the LUA's 2023 annual report in Dresden on Wednesday.
However, in all cases, the levels were below the EU limit. "So, no cause for alarm," Albrecht added. In total, the LUA tested 114 animal-derived food samples (egg, fish, meat, and milk) for these chemicals. The LUA found particularly high levels in wild boar samples.
In the area of food and feed monitoring, the LUA focused on testing for so-called "forever chemicals" (PFAS). These chemicals, due to their water- and fat-repellent properties, are used in coatings for rain jackets, Teflon pans, and even in body care products. They are very difficult to break down and accumulate in nature and in food.
PFAS pose health risks. It has been found that children with high PFAS levels in their blood have a reduced immune response to vaccines, Albrecht explained. "It's good if PFAS do not appear in our food and thus do not enter our bodies," he added.
Out of the 20,000 food samples tested, 0.2% were deemed health-threatening. The rest of the issues mainly concerned misleading or non-compliant labeling. Overall, the results show that food in Saxony is safe, said Health Minister Petra Köpping (SPD).
As an example of poor labeling, Albert mentioned shrimp. "We've found certain tendencies to defraud consumers," Albert said. By increasing the water content, the selling weight is increased, leading to protein precipitation, reduced nutritional and culinary value, and increased salt content.
The LUA noted a positive development in veterinary medicine: Although African Swine Fever (ASF) still dominates, the number of cases decreased for the first time in 2023, falling by more than half to 408 (from 947 in 2022). "This is really good news," said Köpping. This is an important success for Saxon pig farmers.
The LUA emphasized the importance of monitoring 'Health and safety' in food and feed, specifically focusing on the presence of 'forever chemicals' like PFAS. Jens Albrecht pointed out that PFAS pose health risks, mentioning studies showing a reduced immune response to vaccines in children with high PFAS levels in their blood.
