Initial situation/scientific issue

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of artificially produced chemical compounds that are used in a variety of industries around the world. These include the textile industry, the automotive industry, food processing and the construction industry. Due to their persistence and widespread use, these pollutants are detectable in the environment, especially in soil and water. Residues have also been detected in humans and animals, raising legitimate concerns about possible health effects. Only since the beginning of the 21st century have the environmental effects and toxicity of PFAS for humans and mammals been intensively investigated.

At the 86th meeting of the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) Advisory Forum (AF) in December 2022, the French representative introduced the mandate that the ANSES (French Agency for Food Safety, Environment and Occupational Health and Safety) had received regarding PFAS. As a result of the discussions, several Member States stated that they have similar issues/initiatives ongoing or already being addressed at national level.

In March 2023, at the 87th meeting of the AF, several members reiterated their interest in sharing their work on PFAS. They decided to meet to organise and launch a mechanism for sharing their activities in this area. As a result, an initiative group was set up. The members of this group met online in July and September 2023 to officially launch the initiative.

Project description/methodology

The main objectives of the PFAS Advisory Forum Initiative Group are the exchange of information and the development of common approaches to PFAS risk assessment between the Member States and EFSA. The overarching aim is to avoid double work and thus speed up the work of the individual countries.

This is to be achieved through the following measures:

There should be an intensive exchange of information on the analysis of PFAS, including information on laboratory capacity and other techniques. Data on the occurrence of PFAS in food, feed, water, air and soil should be shared. Toxicological data on PFAS, including mechanisms of action, mixing effects and grouping assessments should be exchanged between Member States. Expertise and experience in the field of risk assessment should be shared. The availability and quality of data required for the risk assessment of PFAS should be intensively discussed. Data gaps should be specifically identified in order to close them.

Methods and results of the risk assessment should be exchanged and discussed. New scientific developments in the risk assessment of PFAS and their impact on practice will be discussed. A close link to the activities of the EFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM) regarding PFAS substances should be established. A regular exchange of information from the Member States, the EC (European Community) or external sources in the area of PFAS risk assessment, risk management or other relevant areas should be ensured. The national mandates of the Member States should be exchanged in order to promote a coordinated approach.

Outcomes