Oct 15 - The Agency has published the results of a UK-wide survey looking for the chemical perfluoroctane sulphonate (PFOS) and similar chemicals in food. The results show that, where it was present, levels are not a concern to people's health.
PFOS has a variety of applications, including use as a water-repellent and in fire-fighting foams. However, because of concerns that it might be harmful, its manufacture and use has been gradually phased out.
PFOS was detected at low levels in samples of fish and offal, but not in other types of food such as carcass meat, eggs, dairy products, fruit and vegetables. The highest levels were found in liver, kidney, crab and oily fish such as eel and whitebait, although none were considered a risk to consumers.
The survey was carried out as part of the Agency’s commitment to investigating emerging risks to food safety, and is one of the first of its type. Earlier this year, PFOS was added to the list of chemicals of concern under the Stockholm Convention.