PFAS in your pint? New study deserves close attention from the food & beverage industry

A recent peer-reviewed study published in Environmental Science & Technology highlights the link between PFAS contamination in municipal drinking water and its presence in beer. The research, which tested beers from various regions and brewery types worldwide, found detectable levels of PFAS – including PFOS and PFOA – in many samples. In some cases, concentrations exceeded levels of PFAS allowed in drinking water in the USA.

This finding underscores a broader challenge for the food and beverage industry. PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of highly persistent chemicals used in everything from non-stick cookware to food packaging and industrial processing. Their durability makes them useful – but also difficult to manage. PFAS accumulate in the environment and human body, and many have been linked to serious health risks including tumours, immune dysfunction, reproductive and developmental issues.

The implications for food and beverage producers are significant. Water is a primary ingredient in many products, and PFAS contamination in source water can lead to unintentional exposure. Smaller breweries and manufacturers located near contaminated water sources are particularly vulnerable. But the issue doesn’t stop at water – PFAS can also leach from packaging, processing equipment, and even facility infrastructure.

As global regulators tighten restrictions, the industry must act. The EU is moving toward a blanket ban on PFAS, and the U.S. has introduced stringent limits in drinking water, while state-level legislation to prohibit PFAS in consumer and commercial use products and further reduce PFAS in drinking water increases. France has already banned tap water in regions with high PFAS levels. These developments signal a significant shift in compliance obligations.

To help food and beverage companies navigate this complex landscape, Sagentia Innovation and Sagentia Regulatory have published a new white paper: ‘How to identify, replace, detect, and remove PFAS as tighter restrictions emerge.’

The paper outlines a science-led model for PFAS management across four critical areas:

• Identify PFAS sources in raw materials, systems, and effluents
• Replace PFAS with safer alternatives where possible
• Detect PFAS using advanced analytical methods like LC-MS
• Remove PFAS through tailored remediation strategies

Whether you’re a global food and beverage brand or a local ‘craft’ producer, PFAS risk management is no longer optional. It’s a strategic imperative.