A working group under the European Food Safety Authority, EFSA, proposes a new tolerable weekly intake (TWI) of 8 ng/kg body weight per week for polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The TWI is proposed as a group TWI for four main PFAS: PFOA, PFNA, PFHxS and PFOS.
EFSA published opinions on PFOS and PFOA in 2018. Since then new methodologies and tools have enabled EFSA to re-assess combined exposure to multiple chemicals, which is the reason for the proposed group TWI for the four PFAS.
PFAS do not break down in the environment or in the human body and may lead to critical health effects such as decreased response of the immune system to vaccination. A common route of exposure includes food contaminated through soil and water.
Further information and template for submitting comments to the PFAS hearing
The draft scientific opinion is open for public consultation until 20 April 2020.
For more information on substances in food, please contact:
Helle Buchardt Boyd
hbb@dhigroup.com
Tel +45 4516 9097
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