PFAS analysis of blood from animals

Exposure to and sources of PFAS continue to be an issue of concern. This applies not least to food including meat products. Elevated PFAS levels in animals can be the result of intake of contaminated water and feed. PFAS accumulates in the animals and the levels will in part depend on the animal species and age. The half-life, i.e. the excretion rate of PFAS also differs between different animals and PFAS substances (Fødevarestyrelsen, 2023). A notable case is Korsør in Denmark, where several people in a natural grazing association were exposed to meat with high PFOS concentrations (Fødevarestyrelsen, 2023; Slagelse municipality, 2023).

An assessment method for exposure to PFAS/PFOS in animals is the level in blood serum. The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration (Fødevarestyrelsen) has derived indicator values for PFOS for cattle (3.3 µg/kg) and sheep (6.7 µg/kg). If the content is below these values, the risk of exceeding the maximum limit for PFOS in meat in the EU Regulation (EU) 2023/915 is assumed to be low. The Swedish Food Agency (SLV) has also adopted these indicator values and refers to them in its wiki (SLV, 2023).

Eurofins has now developed a sampling kit for both live animals and after slaughter. The kit consists of two vacuum tubes (live animals) and two 50 ml plastic tubes (after slaughter) together with a sampling instruction. Sampling of live animals should be carried out by a veterinarian. Analysis with this kit refers to blood serum which forms the basis for assessment versus the indicator values. In the event that analysis on whole blood is preferred, contact us in advance as other test tubes are needed.

Kits can be ordered on our material and packaging page. Follow the link below and select "Food" or "Environment & Water" depending on customer affiliation (Eurofins Food & Feed or Environment). Also keep in mind that samples should be stored and transported refrigerated e.g. with ice packs in a cooler bag/box, and if necessary this can also be ordered. On the website there are also order forms to download in case our online system EOL is not used. Information about our drop-off points and other transport solutions (eg Same Day) is also available.

The pack primarily recommended is PFAS4 (incl. PFOS) with code PLW8F (Food & Feed) or PLWQH (Environment). Other larger packs for food/biota can also be used if an extended analysis is required, see our PFAS webpage (link below).

Welcome to contact us if you have any questions about PFAS:

Eurofins Food & Feed
Eurofins Environment

Web links

Fødevarestyrelsen (2023)
SLV (2023) – control wiki (in Swedish)
Slagelse municipality (2023; in Danish)
Eurofins sampling vessels and packing
Eurofins drop points
Eurofins PFAS analytical packs
Eurofins sampling instructions (in Swedish)