20 Acknowledged

Although the Government has begun setting statutory limits for PFAS in drinking water, which is...

Conclusion
Although the Government has begun setting statutory limits for PFAS in drinking water, which is a welcome step, significant gaps remain in managing and limiting human exposure to PFAS through food and agricultural pathways. (Conclusion, Paragraph 76)
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the importance of addressing PFAS exposure through food and agricultural pathways, stating that risk management options, including setting maximum levels, will be considered following a scientific review. The Food Standards Agency is also strengthening testing capabilities and gathering occurrence data.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government Acknowledged
Protecting public health from harmful chemical exposures is a priority for this government. We recognise the importance of tackling exposure to PFAS through food and are committed to ensuring that decisions in this area are guided by the best available scientific evidence. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is following the Committee on Toxicity’s review closely and risk management options, including setting maximum levels for PFAS in food, will be considered following the publication of their review. Any risk management options will need to consider overall risk to consumers and ensure that regulatory levels set are as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA), taking account of available occurrence data. The FSA has been working with the National Reference Laboratory (NRL) to strengthen testing capability for PFAS across a range of everyday foods such as fish, eggs, milk and vegetables. The FSA is also gathering occurrence data through on-going targeted monitoring and surveillance programmes. As announced at the UK-EU Leaders’ Summit on 19 May 2025, the UK and EU have agreed to work towards a common Sanitary and Phytosanitary Area, which will include food safety standards.