High levels of a toxic chemical substance connected to pesticides, TFA (trifluoroacetic acid), were detected in 53 of 65 cereal-based products from 16 European countries, which were tested in a new study by the Pesticide Action Network Europe (PAN).
Breakfast cereals were the most contaminated, with 100 times higher TFA concentration than tap water, while the chemical was detected at higher levels in wheat-based products, such as bread and pasta.
Specifically, the highest concentrations were found in Irish breakfast cereals, in Belgian and German whole wheat bread, and in a French baguette. TFA was detected in a variety of products such as croissants, flour, and even sweets.
Experts call for a ban on such substances, as exposure to forever chemicals has been linked to cancer, reproductive problems, etc.
TFA is a chemical substance that forms when pesticides containing PFAs decompose in the soil. Because TFA is water-soluble, it can pass into plants and from there into our diet. Both TFA and PFAs belong to the category of “forever chemicals” as they remain in the environment for hundreds of years.
Experts call for the ban of pesticide use with PFAs, which have been used since the 1950s, as people are exposed to very high levels of the substance through water and food.
Their effects on the environment and human health are not yet fully clear, but recent studies link exposure to certain “forever chemicals” with cancer. Furthermore, it is considered that it may damage the function of the human reproductive system, and it has also been linked to negative effects on thyroid, liver, and immune system function.
Πηγή: Guardian
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