PFAS - Phytocontrol

Phytocontrol help you measure perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in food and water.

Control the risks of these “forever chemicals".

Our Agrifood and Waters laboratories are able to meet regulatory requirements for the 4 PFAS in food (eggs, fish products and meat), the 20 PFAS in water for human consumption, the 7 PFAS in fresh water and the PFOS in wastewater.

Contact the Phytocontrol laboratory

PFAS: toxic for the environment and health

Perfluorinated and polyfluorinated compounds are widely used in industry, in more than 4,700 molecules, for their non-stick, waterproof, stain-resistant and heat-resistant properties. They are found in outdoor textiles, food packaging, cooking utensils (non-stick pans), fire-fighting foams, waterproofing, electrical insulation, waxes, varnishes, etc.

These compounds break down slowly and are therefore very persistent in the environment (soil, groundwater, surface water) and in aquatic organisms. They can also be found in drinking water and foodstuffs. Perfluorinated and polyfluorinated compounds are not destroyed in the human body and bioaccumulate, increasing health risks: high cholesterol levels, disturbed liver function, hypothyroidism, increased risk of kidney and testicular cancer, etc.

Humans can be exposed to these contaminants through skin infection, inhalation or even ingestion of high-risk foods such as meat, eggs, fish, foods in contact with packaging, water used for human consumption, etc.

Phytocontrol's offer for the analysis of PFAS in food

Phytocontrol complies with the regulations and has developed a method for analysing 17 PFAS in foodstuffs, including the 4 regulated molecules (PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS and PFNA) in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2023/915, which includes maximum PFAS levels in eggs, fish products and meat. The performance criteria to be met for the analysis are set out in regulation (EU) 2022/1428.

The European Commission has published Recommendation (EU) 2022/1431 on the monitoring of PFAS in fruit and vegetables, roots and tubers, seaweed, cereals, oilseeds, babyfood, feed, soft drinks, wine and beer. Guideline values have been introduced for certain foodstuffs. These values should not affect the possibility of marketing, but investigations should be carried out if they are exceeded.

We support you in controlling the PFAS risk in all foodstuffs.

Phytocontrol's offer for analysing PFAS in water

Phytocontrol has developed a method for analysing 25 perfluorinated compounds (PFAS) in fresh, raw, atypical (carbo-gaseous and highly mineralised) and wastewater. This method involves the analysis of PFAS dissolved in water.

In fresh, raw and atypical waters, the limits of quantification are 0.002 μg/L for 12 PFAS, 0.005 μg/L for 6 PFAS, 0.01 μg/L for 3 PFAS and 0.02 μg/L for 4 PFAS.
In wastewater, the limits of quantification are 0.02 μg/L for 12 PFAS, 0.05 μg/L for 6 PFAS, 0.1 μg/L for 3 PFAS and 0.2 μg/L for 4 PFAS.

Which waters are concerned?

Raw water : lake, river, borehole, etc.

Drinking water : mains water, bottled water

Atypical waters : highly mineralised waters, carbonated waters

Wastewater : urban and industrial

Water regulations

Water for human consumption : Directive (EU) 2020/2184 on the quality of water intended for human consumption sets parametric values for:

Total PFAS = 0.50 μg/L (the totality of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances).
The sum of PFAS = 0.10 μg/L (sum of 20 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances considered to be of concern, the list of which is set out in Annex III part B point 3 of the directive).

This directive has been transposed into French law. Since 1 January 2023, limits for the sum of the 20 PFAS have been set at 0.1 µg/L in EDCH and 2 µg/L in raw water of any origin (decree of 30/12/22 amending the decree of 11/01/07). Monitoring of this parameter will be compulsory from 1 January 2026 in health control programmes.

Water in the environment : According to the notice relating to the limits of quantification of "parameter-matrix" pairs in the approval of laboratories carrying out analyses in the field of water and aquatic environments (version dated 19/10/19), a LOQ of 0.002 μg/L is set for 7 PFAS in fresh water (PFHxA, PFHpA, PFOA, PFDA, PFHxS, PFOS, PFDS).

Wastewater : Notice related to LOQ for wastewater: 0.05μg/L for PFOS.

Can't find the analysis you need?

Which PFAS are affected by the regulations?

PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS, PFNA, PFBS, PFPeS, PFHpS, PFNS, PFDS, PFUdS, PFDoS, PFTrDS, PFBA, PFPeA, PFHxA, PFHpA, PFDA, PFUdA, PFDoA et PFTrDA.

Why choose Phytocontrol

Phytocontrol is a technological and human project that meets the societal challenges of water and food safety with proximity, expertise, reactivity and reliability. The Laboratory provides you with the most reliable, innovative and eco-responsible solutions to guarantee you the best European expertise. A step ahead in technology, Phytocontrol develops its own Information System via a latest-generation Datacenter and innovates with its own system for tracking the sample's progress. Anticipation is Phytocontrol's credo and it is its intention to stay ahead!