Greens call for bold action on PFAS
03 July 2025
The European Greens have sent a Priority Written Question to the European Commission, to demand action on PFAS, the group of substances also known as ‘forever chemicals’. The question is addressed by two green MEPs: Co-President Bas Eickhout and Cristina Guarda. The question focuses on trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), a product of the degradation of PFAS substances, after a report was published by watchdog Follow The Money, raising concerns about a potential food and water crisis in Europe due to this pollution.
The greens demand that TFA levels be considered in the limit value of PFAS, currently 0.5 micrograms per liter. They also advocate for a comprehensive ban of PFAS-containing pesticides and fluorinated gases, and for legal modifications to implement a systematic monitoring of TFA values.
The European Commission is under increasing pressure to act. PFAS and other persistent pollutants are building up in EU waters, with health-related costs estimated between €52 and €84 billion per year, according to estimates by the Forever Lobbying Project. Under the REACH regulation, the Commission plans to restrict PFAS in firefighting foams, a major source of emissions.
SAFE calls for decisive action to tackle PFAS at the source.
The Lancet releases papers adding weight to the evidence that UPFs harm human health
A study by The Lancet reveals that ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are linked to harm in…
Ultra-processed foods linked to prediabetes in young adults
A US study has linked ultra-processed food intake with higher risk of prediabetes and disrupted…
130+ organisations urge von der Leyen to strengthen enforcement of EU pesticide law
SAFE and more than 130 other European civil society, scientific, water, and farming organisations warn…
Very high levels of short-chain PFAS (TFA) found in 12 out of 16 mineral water samples
A study by Greenpeace has found very high levels of TFA, a type of “forever…
Diet and Sugary Drinks Linked to Higher Liver Disease Risk
A recent study presented at UEG Week 2025, the annual congress of United European Gastroenterology,…
‘Planetary health diet’ could save 40,000 deaths a day, landmark report finds
Adopting a plant-rich “planetary health diet”, including moderate meat consumption, could prevent 40,000 early deaths…
[ssba-buttons]
