Imagine this: A cluster of ripe strawberries, plump and fresh, picked straight from the field during peak summer. It's the perfect image of health and purity. However, beneath its surface lies an invisible threat. Those strawberries, like countless other foods, have absorbed traces of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). 

 

 

This story repeats across the food supply: fish exposed to polluted waterways, grains grown in PFAS-laden soil, and products processed and stored with materials that contribute to contamination. These “forever chemicals” don’t just linger in the environment; they infiltrate the systems and processes that brands depend on. For the food industry, PFAS isn’t just a compliance issue but rather a systemic challenge that demands immediate, science-driven solutions.

With contamination risks spanning soil, water, packaging, and equipment, food brands face a critical question: How can you develop a managable, actionable strategy to combat such a complex problem?

This scenario reflects the real challenges many food companies are tracking today. Challenges where Agilent’s advanced tools and expertise are helping companies uncover solutions.

Understanding the Scope of the PFAS Problem

Your journey may begin with a seemingly routine problem. For example, lets say PFAS is detected in a small batch of products. Initial testing reveals contamination above regulatory thresholds, prompting a deeper investigation. However, the more you dig, the complexity of the issue is revealed.
 

•    ? Agricultural Inputs: PFAS contamination in raw materials like grains, fruits, and vegetables often stems from irrigation water polluted by industrial runoff or biosolid fertilizers. These upstream sources require a revaluation of supplier practices and sourcing regions.
•  ? Processing and Packaging: Polymer-coated gaskets, high-heat seals, and grease-resistant packaging expose products to PFAS migration during manufacturing or storage. Even secondary packaging materials, like cardboard treated with water-resistant coatings can unintentionally add to contamination risks.
•    ? Regulatory Complexity: Operating across multiple jurisdictions means navigating several layers of regulation. The EU is enforcing PFAS restrictions on food-contact materials by 2026. Meanwhile, U.S. states like California and Maine already impose strict PFAS limits. Staying compliant requires constant vigilance and adaptability.

Addressing this level of complexity demands a detailed roadmap built on precision testing, supply chain transparency, and forward-thinking strategies.
 

Supporting Food Brands in Tackling PFAS

Food brands grappling with PFAS challenges need practical, science-led solutions to uncover the full picture of contamination and take action. Agilent provides the advanced tools and expertise to empower them to transform a daunting problem into a manageable process.
 

•  ? Detecting PFAS across complex food matrices: At the core of any PFAS mitigation strategy is accurate detection. Agilent’s liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) solutions offer unparalleled sensitivity, enabling brands to quantify PFAS at parts-per-trillion levels. By isolating compounds based on their unique mass-to-charge ratios, LC-MS/MS delivers precise identification, even when testing diverse and challenging food matrices like fatty meats, dairy, or starchy grains. 
  
  For brands that want to go beyond compliance and anticipate future risks, Agilent’s high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) solutions enable non-targeted analysis (NTA). This powerful technology uncovers previously unknown PFAS compounds, ensuring brands are prepared for the inevitable expansion of regulatory frameworks.
  
•  ? Streamlining sample preparation:  Accurate testing requires clean, interference-free samples. Agilent’s advanced solid-phase extraction (SPE) tools streamline sample preparation, eliminating interference from fats, proteins, or sugars common in complex food matrices. By reducing variability and ensuring reproducible results, SPE helps brands act with confidence, whether testing raw agricultural products or finished goods.
•  ? Mapping the supply chain: Food brands need visibility into PFAS risks at every touchpoint, from raw materials to packaging. Agilent works with companies to establish targeted testing protocols tailored to their unique operations. This process includes monitoring critical contamination sources, such as agricultural inputs, water supplies, and processing equipment, and collaborating with suppliers to mitigate risks before they escalate.

 

 

Proactivity and Trust in the PFAS Era

In a world where consumer trust often hinges on transparency and safety, addressing PFAS risks is more than a regulatory obligation, it’s an opportunity for food brands to lead. By investing in advanced detection, integrating testing into supply chain management, and preparing for evolving regulations, companies can turn a potential crisis into a chance to build resilience and trust.

Agilent plays a crucial role in supporting this effort. With decades of expertise in analytical science, our solutions empower food brands to uncover hidden risks, act decisively, and communicate their efforts openly. 

The PFAS reckoning isn’t going away, but with Agilent, food brands can rise to the occasion, setting a new standard for safety and sustainability across the food industry.

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