TFA and Ultrashort PFAS in Vegetable Food and Plants

Ultrashort-chain (USC) per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), particularly trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), have emerged as contaminants of growing concern due to their environmental persistence and widespread occurrence. TFA is the simplest perfluorinated carboxylic acid and has been extensively studied and reviewed over the last few years. Its formation is partly linked to the atmospheric degradation of modern refrigerants such as HFC-134a and HFO-1234yf. Other ultrashort PFAS such as trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (TFMS) are used in lithium-ion batteries and industrial processes.

An additional source of TFA includes the breakdown of pesticides containing trifluoromethyl groups (e.g., Fluazinam). The concept of “PFAS pesticides” has gained attention following reports by PAN (Pesticide Action Network) Europe and its partners. These pesticides meet the OECD definition of PFAS due to the presence of fluorinated moieties, often the trifluoromethyl group (–CF₃), which is directly linked to TFA formation. In a February 2024 PAN report, national monitoring data revealed that PFAS pesticides were present in 20% of EU-grown fruits and berries and 12% of vegetables.

TFA in Food, Beverages, and Agricultural Products

Recent investigations have revealed significant concentrations of TFA in various food and beverage products. TFA is not classified as bioaccumulative as such, yet it can concentrate in plants—especially in aerial parts—leading to its presence in plant-based foods. Accumulation factors up to 13,000 have been reported, with concentrations in dry matter ranging from 25 to 1,100 µg/kg, and occasionally higher. This uptake is facilitated by contamination in soil, water and possibly directly on foliage where TFA and potentially other ultrashort PFAS are readily absorbed by crops and vegetation.

A recent PAN/Global 2000 report (June 2025), The Forever Chemical in Our Daily Bread, investigated TFA in 48 Austrian cereal products. TFA levels ranged from 13 µg/kg (organic rye) to 420 µg/kg (butter biscuits), with an overall average of 120 µg/kg. Conventional products had 3.5 times higher TFA levels than organic ones. Compared to a 2017 EURL study, TFA concentrations in cereals have tripled. Using conservative toxicological thresholds, estimated dietary intake exceeded tolerable daily intake (TDI) values for both adults and children.

An earlier PAN/Global 2000 study focused on wine, also showing a dramatic increase in TFA concentrations in vintages from 2021–2023, with an average of 122,000 ng/L and a maximum of 320,000 ng/L. Earlier vintages (pre-1988) showed no detectable TFA, highlighting the likely impact of modern pesticides.  A collaborative study published last year (2024), by Eurofins and Örebro University analyzed juices and fruit/vegetable purees intended for children. Orange juice samples showed particularly high TFA levels, averaging 34,000 ng/L, with peaks up to 84,000 ng/L.

Eurofins Launches New TFA/Ultrashort PFAS Analysis in Vegetable Foods

In response to the growing concern over ultrashort PFAS contamination in food, Eurofins now introduces a dedicated analytical service for ultrashort PFAS—including TFA—in vegetable-based foods. This includes fruits, vegetables, cereals, and non-woody plants but also dairy products. The method comprises TFA, TFMS, PFPrA and PFEtS with a reporting limit (LOQ) for TFA of 10 µg/kg and 0.1-1 µg/kg for the others. Two packages will be offered (see table). Optimal sample weight is 100g and minimum 20g, and a sample preparation (LPP02) is typically added. Delivery time (TAT) is 14 cal. days upon arrival at the laboratory.

Concerning PFPrS we refer to our regular analysis for PFAS in food, for example package PLW8H.

For inquiries regarding PFAS, please contact us

Eurofins Food & Feed: https://www.eurofins.se/kontakta-oss/kontakt-livsmedel/