EFSA lowers safe level for exposure to TFA

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has officially reduced the safe levels of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) in the diet, following updated scientific evidence. TFA is a chemical byproduct resulting from the breakdown of certain pesticides, which can contaminate groundwater, soil, and food crops.

According to the EFSA report, experts have lowered the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) to 0.014 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day, down from the previous 0.05. Furthermore, a new acute reference dose of 0.07 milligrams per kilogram of body weight has been established. These updates are based on evidence indicating that TFA alters levels of thyroxine—a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that plays a vital role in regulating bodily functions.

EFSA’s assessment incorporated data from EU national assessments of pesticide products capable of forming TFA, along with studies previously considered by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). During the public consultation phase, EFSA reviewed 177 comments from various scientific and academic organizations. Currently, EFSA and ECHA are collaborating to further examine the degradation pathways of PFAS pesticides into TFA in soil and water, with findings expected to be finalized by next summer.