Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) is an ultra-short-chain PFAS that can originate from the degradation of certain PFAS-containing compounds, including a number of pesticide active substances, and can subsequently be detected in water, soil and food. Because of its high persistence, TFA can remain in the environment and contribute to long-term human dietary exposure. In July 2026, EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) published a comprehensive re-assessment of TFA based on an extensive review of toxicological evidence, including new animal studies and regulatory data. The assessment identified effects on development, reproduction and thyroid hormone regulation, with thyroid-related effects considered the most sensitive endpoint for risk assessment. As a result, EFSA lowered the acceptable daily intake (ADI) for TFA from 0.05 mg/kg body weight/day to 0.014 mg/kg body weight/day, representing a reduction by approximately a factor of 3.5. EFSA also established, for the first time, an acute reference dose (ARfD) of 0.07 mg/kg body weight. The revised values incorporate additional uncertainty factors to address remaining knowledge gaps, including limited information on carcinogenicity and developmental immunotoxicity.
Eurofins analysis of TFA in foods and beverages
Over the last few years numerous reports have highlighted that TFA frequently occurs in products such as drinking water, wine, beer, fruit and vegetable products, cereals and other agricultural commodities. Consequently, TFA testing can be an important tool for food producers and other stakeholders seeking to better understand the occurrence and distribution of this contaminant in the food chain. In response, Eurofins has developed analytical capabilities for the determination of TFA and other ultra-short-chain (USC) PFAS in a broad range of food and beverage matrices. Analytical packages for TFA and USC-PFAS are available for foods, beverages, wine and water. Please see our flyer for more information (link below) or contact us.
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EFSA Journal (scientific rapport)
Eurofins TFA/PFAS flyers (food and beverages)
For questions regarding TFA and PFAS, please contact us