The evolution of PFAS testing methods for food and animal feed

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a highly persistent group of synthetic chemicals that can be toxic to humans through bioaccumulation, gradual build up over time. In fact, toxicological studies have linked PFAS compounds to serious health risks, causing disruption to critical biological processes such as cellular growth, metabolism, and reproduction. Although PFAS toxicity varies by compound, exposure level, and duration, research has identified several health risks associated with chronic, low-level exposure. 

PFAS can contaminate food through:

•    Crop uptake from polluted soil and water
•    Migration from food packaging 
•    Bioaccumulation in livestock, leading to contaminated meat, dairy, and eggs 

As a result, ingestion of contaminated food is one of the primary routes for human PFAS exposure, making accurate PFAS analysis an extremely important focus for food and consumer safety. 

Advancements in PFAS food testing and regulatory standards

Methods for quantifying PFAS in food have developed rapidly over the past two decades. In the early 2010s, PFAS testing in food was limited, primarily focusing on specific compounds like perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). This testing was often conducted in response to known contamination incidents involving products such as milk, seafood, or cranberries. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began testing for PFAS in 2012, starting with milk and gradually expanding to other food types. At this time, testing methods were not standardized, and most commercial labs focused on environmental samples like water and soil, rather than food.

In October 2019, the FDA published its first validated method, C-010.01, for testing 16 PFAS compounds across a range of foods including fruits, vegetables, dairy, and seafood. This method used LC-MS/MS and marked a significant step toward standardization of food testing. In 2021, the FDA released an updated method, C-010.02, optimized for processed foods with complex matrices such as canned, packaged or processed foods. By 2023, the FDA extended its LC-MS/MS method to test for 30 PFAS compounds, covering a wider range of food and feed matrices. The latest version, C-010.03, released in 2024, marked a significant leap from the initial 16 analytes, and incorporates newly available chemical standards and better understanding of PFAS uptake in foods. 

In parallel, regulatory measures in the European Union have also advanced. In January 2023, the European Commission implemented Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/915, setting maximum levels for the sum of four specific PFAS compounds, PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, and PFHxS, in food categories such as fish, meat, eggs, and dairy. 

To support enforcement, EU reference laboratories and national authorities have developed and validated LC-MS/MS methods that detect PFAS at levels as low as 0.01 µg/kg, in line with regulatory limits. These methods have been applied to food matrices like milk powder, eggs, infant formula, and fish, and validated according to ISO/IEC 17025 and EU Regulation (EU) 2022/1428. The number of PFAS compounds included in these protocols has expanded over time, with some methods covering 19 to more than 50 analytes. This progress marks an important step toward harmonized, high-sensitivity testing across the EU food supply chain.

Advancements in detection methods

Over the past 15 years, PFAS testing in food has evolved from limited, targeted analyses of a few compounds to sophisticated, high-sensitivity methods capable of detecting a broad range of PFAS, within a variety of food and feed matrices. Analytical sample preparation protocols have been improved to reduce background contamination and eliminate false positives. The number of analytes has expanded from 16 to 30 PFAS compounds and validated across a variety of food types, including fresh produce, processed foods, seafood, and bottled water. Increased sensitivity of analytical protocols has also improved detection limits to as low as 0.01–0.04 µg/kg, a significant milestone for protecting consumers that are at risk from chronic, low-level exposure. 

Conclusion

Due to the persistent and bioaccumulative nature of PFAS chemicals, continued research and regulatory efforts remain essential. Advances in testing methods and regulatory monitoring play a key role in reducing PFAS levels in the food supply. While much progress has been made, especially in detection capability and standardization, ongoing research and regulation are needed to limit long-term PFAS exposure.

Learn more about PFAS testing in various matrices below.