European researchers stated that a perilous “forever chemical” has been detected in common breakfast cereals and other grain-based items, which accumulates in the body and might cause severe illnesses. The Daily Mail reports on the health hazard.
The publication discussed findings from a study by the European organization Pesticide Action Network (PAN) Europe. Scientists found a substance called trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) in foods that many consume daily. This is a synthetic “outsider” formed when pesticides break down. These pesticides are sprayed on fields of wheat and corn—the very grains used to make food.
TFA belongs to the PFAS group, also termed “forever chemicals.” This name stems from the fact that they hardly degrade at all in soil, water, or our bodies. They can accumulate over years.
Researchers from PAN Europe examined 66 different cereal products from six EU nations: Ireland, Greece, France, Italy, Spain, and Germany. The list included not only flakes but also bread (from whole grain and regular flour), pasta, croissants, flour, breadcrumbs, and biscuits. TFA was found almost everywhere—in 54 out of the 66 samples. The average concentration of this chemical was 78.9 micrograms per kilogram.
According to the scientists, trifluoroacetic acid negatively impacts human health. The list of potential issues includes impaired respiratory function, harm to the liver, and even reproductive system troubles. The entire PFAS group of “forever chemicals” is generally associated with severe outcomes such as infertility, birth defects in children, high cholesterol, and even certain cancers.
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