New research aimed at identifying foods with elevated PFAS levels found that individuals consuming more white rice, coffee, eggs, and seafood tend to have higher concentrations of these toxic chemicals in their plasma and breast milk.

The study, involving samples from 3,000 pregnant mothers, is among the first to suggest that coffee and white rice may be more contaminated compared to other foods. It also noted a correlation between red meat consumption and levels of PFOS, a prevalent and hazardous PFAS compound.

The authors emphasized that these findings underscore the widespread presence of these chemicals in the food supply and the various pathways through which they can be introduced.

“The results definitely point toward the need for environmental stewardship, and keeping PFAS out of the environment and food chain,” said Megan Romano, a Dartmouth researcher and lead author.

“Now we’re in a situation where they’re everywhere and are going to stick around even if we do aggressive remediation,” Romano added.

People exposed through foods

PFAS, a group of approximately 16,000 compounds used to create products resistant to water, stains, and heat, are termed "forever chemicals" due to their persistent nature and tendency to accumulate in humans. These chemicals have been associated with serious health issues including cancer, birth defects, liver disease, thyroid disease, and reproductive problems.

While regulators have focused on limiting PFAS pollution in water sources, food is believed to be the primary route of exposure for most people. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has faced criticism for what some view as inadequate protection of the nation's food supply. Critics argue that the FDA has adjusted its testing methods, potentially underestimating the presence of PFAS in tested food items, which many advocates find troubling.

PFAS contamination in food can occur through various pathways. In the case of rice, researchers suspect contamination from polluted soil or agricultural water. Non-stick cookware, which often contains these chemicals, or water used during food preparation, can also contribute to contamination.

Researchers discovered elevated levels of PFAS in eggs from backyard chickens, possibly due to these birds being frequently fed with table scraps. Another source of contamination could be PFAS-contaminated sewage sludge, commonly used as a low-cost fertilizer, which can pollute the soil where chickens graze. This contamination has also been found in beef, and there is a possibility that PFAS are present in the feed given to the birds.

PFAS contamination pathways and dietary implications revealed by research

In coffee, researchers suspect contamination could originate from the beans themselves, the water used in brewing, or the soil where the coffee plants grow. Previous studies have also identified PFAS-treated coffee filters, and PFAS are commonly found in paper cups and other food packaging.

Seafood often contains PFAS due to widespread water pollution.

Public health advocates argue that banning these chemicals, except for essential uses, is crucial to addressing the issue comprehensively. Romano noted that their research indicated diets rich in fruits, whole grains, and higher dietary fiber were linked to lower levels of certain PFAS. They emphasized the benefits of consuming a diverse diet to avoid over-reliance on any single protein source.

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