PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ detected in Pacific seal pups and UK supermarket foods

A study by NOAA and the University of California, Santa Cruz found that elephant seal pups in the Northeast Pacific accumulate per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at three times the level of adult seals. Analysis of 142 pup samples from California’s Año Nuevo State Reserve showed PFOS concentrations of 12.7 ng/g in pups versus 4.2 ng/g in mothers, highlighting lactational transfer of these persistent pollutants.

Separately, researchers from the campaign group Foodrise and the University of Birmingham tested 30 Tesco own‑brand food items and detected PFAS in every sample. The highest levels were in cod fillets (1.198 ng/g), sardines (1.192 ng/g), turkey sausages (0.899 ng/g), hot dogs (0.838 ng/g) and smoked mackerel (0.605 ng/g). PFAS are linked to liver damage, pregnancy complications and several cancers, raising concerns about widespread exposure through the food chain. Both studies underscore the need for stricter monitoring and regulation of these ‘forever chemicals’ to protect human health and marine ecosystems.