Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food and exposure assessment of the Swedish population

In this study, the levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food available on the Swedish market were measured, to estimate dietary exposure in different population groups and to compare with the tolerable weekly intake (TWI) established by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). In total, 14 PFAS were analysed in food group samples representative for the Swedish market (n = 51) and additional samples (n = 107) of specific foods, including fish and shellfish, meat, eggs, fruits, and vegetables. Dietary exposure was calculated with all detectable PFAS and consumption data from three national dietary surveys of young children, adolescents, and adults. PFAS were observed in 3 of the 17 food groups: eggs, fatty fish, and lean fish. Additional analyses revealed PFAS in all fish and shellfish samples, as well as in wild boar, reindeer, liver pâté, and organic eggs. No quantifiable PFAS were found in fruit, vegetables, conventional eggs, or other meat samples. The intake estimations showed that the median PFAS exposure was below the TWI across all age groups, but up to 19 % of young children, 18 % of adolescents, and 5 % of adults exceeded the TWI. Scenario calculations demonstrated that most of the population, except young children, could safely consume drinking water at the Swedish maximum limit (4 ng Σ4PFAS/L) and fish according to the recommendation (2-3 servings per week) without exceeding the TWI. Approximately 60 % of sum PFAS exposure from food came from Σ4PFAS, emphasizing the need for further risk assessments of other PFAS.