Tracing PFAS Contamination Across the Food Supply Chain: Assessing Foodborne Risks from Production to Consumption

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have emerged as a critical food safety and public health concern due to their persistence, bio accumulative nature, and widespread presence across the global food supply chain. This study investigates PFAS contamination pathways from agricultural production to final consumption, emphasizing the mechanisms through which these “forever chemicals” infiltrate soil, water, crops, livestock, and processed foods. Industrial emissions, contaminated irrigation water, biosolids used as fertilizers, and food packaging materials are identified as key contributors to PFAS entry into the food system. Once absorbed, PFAS compounds accumulate in edible tissues and plant matter, leading to chronic human exposure through dietary intake. The paper evaluates recent findings on PFAS concentration levels in various food categories, including seafood, dairy, meat, and grains, alongside their toxicological implications such as endocrine disruption, immune suppression, and carcinogenicity. Analytical techniques such as liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) are discussed for accurate detection and quantification of PFAS in complex food matrices. Furthermore, this study highlights the gaps in existing food safety regulations, calling for harmonized global standards, improved monitoring frameworks, and sustainable agricultural practices to limit PFAS contamination. Overall, the research underscores the urgent need for cross-sector collaboration and policy reform to safeguard human health and maintain food system integrity in the face of persistent PFAS pollution.