Fluorinated chemicals: UK dietary intakes

Composite food group samples from the 2004 Total Diet Study (TDS) were analysed for a range of fluorinated chemicals, including perfluorooctane sulphonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). This work was carried out to allow an estimate of dietary intakes of fluorinated chemicals by UK consumers and to obtain an initial indication of whether any specific food groups are significant dietary sources. The results are of low concern regarding human health.

This work was carried out following an increasing number of reports of PFOS and PFOA being found in the environment, in fish and in other foods.

PFOS, PFOA and related fluorinated chemicals were analysed in composite samples of food groups from the 2004 TDS.

PFOS was found at concentrations above the limit of detection in the potatoes, canned vegetables, eggs and sugars and preserves food groups. PFOA was detected only in the potatoes food group. Other fluorinated chemicals were detected only occasionally, although ten different fluorinated compounds were found in the potatoes food group.

The estimated average adult dietary intakes from the whole diet in 2004 were 0.1 microgram/kg bodyweight/day for PFOS and 0.07 microgram/kilogram bodyweight/day for PFOA (upper bound figures). The corresponding high level adult dietary intakes were 0.2 and 0.1 microgram/kg bodyweight/day respectively.

The independent expert Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT) is reviewing the toxicity of PFOS and PFOA, and has received advice from its sister Committees on Mutagenicity (COM) and Carcinogenicity (COC). The COT has not finalised its opinion on establishing Tolerable Daily Intakes for PFOS or PFOA. However, with regards to the results of the survey, it considered that there is considerable uncertainty in intakes, since the majority of food groups do not contain PFOS and PFOA at concentrations above limits of detection, and the survey results did not raise any immediate toxicological concerns.