New TWI for the four main perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in food

30.09.2020

Since 17 September 2020, EFSA's final risk assessment on the four most important PFAS in food in terms of quantity has been available. The group TWI (tolerable weekly intake) for all four substances (perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS)) of 4.4 ng/kg bw per week was derived based on the impairment of the immune response as the most sensitive endpoint. This new risk assessment makes it necessary to revise the guidance values or health orientation values (GOW) for PFAS in drinking water. The draft European Drinking Water Directive also provides for a regulation of PFAS in drinking water. In a recommendation, the Federal Environment Agency has already pointed out the resulting challenges for analytical laboratories.

For further information please contact Ulrike Schuhmacher-Wolz.