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In light of new scientific evidence, the has lowered the safe limit for trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) in food.
Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) is a degradation product of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which also include certain fluorinated active substances in plant protection products.
The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) has been reduced from 0.05 mg per kg of body weight per day to 0.014 mg per kg of body weight per day. The new acute reference dose has been set at 0.07 mg per kg of body weight. This is due to new findings, including the observation that TFA has a negative effect on the thyroid hormone thyroxine, which plays an important role in many regulatory processes within the body.
These values are, for the time being, HBGVs (Health-Based Guidance Values) and are therefore not immediately applicable maximum limits for foodstuffs. However, the EFSA emphasises that they may form the basis for further EU decisions. Food analysis is therefore currently likely to face a transitional phase. The EFSA assessment due in July 2026 will significantly increase regulatory pressure. However, a uniform TFA maximum limit – for example, 0.01 or 0.1 mg/kg of food – cannot be directly derived from an ADI value.
YOUR PLUS: TFA residue testing in drinking water and food is available through the AGROLAB GROUP as part of its comprehensive analytical service portfolio.
Author: Dr Frank Mörsberger, AGROLAB GROUP
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