Forever chemicals, known in chemistry classes as PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are thousands of compounds that are not oil or water soluble. These chemicals have been used since the 1940s in a vast array of products from cookware to clothing. These chemicals do not break down once they enter the environment, hence the name "forever chemicals." It is now known that these chemicals have toxic effects, causing cancer and other ill-health, but industries continue to use them, and lobby to oppose legislation seeking to control their usage.
This has led to the situation where, according to chemical analysis by the Pesticide Action Network (PAN), that over half of the UK fruit and vegetable samples contained concerning levels of forever chemicals; at least 95 per cent of UK strawberry samples tested contained PFAS pesticides residuals.
Given that the corporates are dead opposed to regulation of forever chemicals, having increased expenses for replacement chemicals, it is going to be a tough battle to control their use.
"Over half of UK food samples ( fruits, vegetables and spices) contained concerning amounts of 'forever' chemicals, analysis of Government data has found.
The Pesticide Action Network (PAN) analysed statistics from the Government's residue testing programme. It found that at least 10 PFAS chemicals were present in food destined for UK supermarket shelves.
Among the alarming findings, at least 95 per cent of UK strawberry samples tested contained PFAS pesticides. PFAS pesticides were similarly found in over half of grape and cherry samples collected for the Government testing programme.
Mounting evidence suggests that PFAS chemicals harm the environment and human health. Scientific studies have concluded exposure to some PFAS chemicals decreases fertility, impacts childhood development, and is linked to several cancers.
The Government data, however, reveals the ongoing prevalence of PFAS chemicals in everyday foods sold in the UK.
Campaigners say this highlights the need for further action to minimise unnecessary human consumption. They have called for a ban on PFAS pesticides' use in UK foods.
"Pesticides are the only chemicals that are designed to be toxic and then released intentionally into the environment," said Nick Mole, Policy Officer, Pan UK.
"Despite this, the UK Government's much-delayed plans for limiting the negative impacts of PFAS focus solely on industrial chemicals, ignoring pesticides entirely. PFAS pesticides are absolutely unnecessary for growing food and are an easily avoidable source of PFAS pollution. Getting rid of them would be a massive win for consumers, farmers, and the environment."