Study Finds "Forever Chemicals" in Common European Cereal Foods

A new report reveals that many common cereal-based foods in Europe contain high levels of a widespread "forever chemical." The contamination is linked to pesticides, according to the study. The research was published by Pesticide Action Europe, a coalition of over 600 non-governmental organizations. It identified breakfast cereals, bread, and pasta as being heavily contaminated with a common type of PFAS. PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are known as "forever chemicals" because they do not break down naturally in the environment. They are associated with serious health risks. The report states that pesticides applied to crops are the source of the chemicals in food. The coalition is calling for urgent regulatory action to ban these pesticides. This finding follows a separate French study from the previous day, which reported widespread PFAS contamination in the country's drinking water. Together, the studies highlight growing concerns over chemical exposure in Europe.