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A woman looking at a package of beef at the grocery store.
 ARS Scientist Dr. Yelena Sapozhnikova conducts chemical analysis using a gas chromatograph.
 ARS chemist Yelena Sapozhnikova conducts chemical analysis using a gas chromatograph.

Detecting Levels of Forever Chemicals in Our Foods

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as "forever chemicals", can persist in the environment and bioaccumulate in animals, humans, and plants. These chemicals can be a threat to human health. Researchers found that diet can be a source of PFAS exposure, but efficient analytical methods are needed to measure their levels in foods.

ARS scientists in Wyndmoor, PA, developed a new method to analyze 34 PFAS in foods regulated by the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), including chicken, pork, beef, catfish, and eggs. Results demonstrated that this new analytical method is robust, accurate, and precise. It is also fast and simple and outperformed two official methods used by the Food and Drug Administration and FSIS. Once implemented, this new analytical method will provide greater guidance for detecting PFAS levels in foods.

Related Information

Publication: Comparison And Validation Of The Quecherser Mega-Method For Determination Of Per- And Polyfluoroalkyl Substances In Foods By Liquid Chromatography With High-Resolution And Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry

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Detecting Levels of Forever Chemicals in Our Foods

Detecting Levels of Forever Chemicals in Our Foods

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