Chemical compound TFA, commonly known as "forever chemical," detected in European wine stocks
In a recent study conducted by the Pesticide Action Network (PAN Europe), traces of the 'forever chemical' compound Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) were found in nearly 50 European wines. The study, which tested wines from several European countries, revealed that the average TFA levels in the 39 wines tested from the 2021 to 2024 vintages were 122 micrograms per liter (μg/L).
However, the study did not find TFA traces in 10 Austrian wines from vintages spanning 1974 to 2015, suggesting that the contamination may be a more recent phenomenon. The study also highlighted that trace amounts of TFA varied widely in the tested wines.
TFA is formed via the breakdown of other forever chemicals known as Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), with sources including some pesticides and F-gases used in refrigeration and air conditioning. While TFA has not historically been considered a health hazard, it has been linked to possible reproductive health issues.
The European wine industry body, CEEV, has questioned the strength of the correlation between elevated pesticide residues and higher trace amounts of TFA. They also pointed out that TFA contamination has been found in many water sources, suggesting that the contamination may not be limited to the wine industry.
The European Union is actively implementing regulatory actions targeting PFAS. Last year, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) began reviewing 'health-based reference values' for TFA. The European Commission's 2025 Chemicals Industry Action Plan reinforces strict PFAS regulation by proposing a universal restriction on the manufacture, marketing, and use of PFAS.
Despite the ongoing regulatory actions, no specific regulations have been identified that focus solely on PFAS or TFA in the wine industry or environmental contamination from wine production. The currently active regulation focuses on food-contact materials broadly and chemical emissions, which could affect packaging materials used in the wine sector but does not single out the wine industry itself.
PAN Europe advocates for a ban on PFAS pesticides and F-gases, a comprehensive monitoring program for TFA in foods, and a precautionary regulatory approach due to significant toxicological data gaps. The CEEV is ready to collaborate with EFSA in the ongoing revision of toxicological reference values for TFA and supports the establishment of clear, science-based risk assessments and regulatory approaches.
The findings of the study have been considered a 'clear wake-up call' for the EU due to growing regulatory scrutiny of TFA's presence in the environment and food chain. The wine sector, committed to sustainability, has seen a significant reduction in pesticide use and the steady expansion of organic vineyard acreage across Europe.
As the EU continues to implement stricter regulations on PFAS and other harmful substances, the wine industry will need to adapt and ensure the safety of their products for consumers.
[1] Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) - https://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/packaging/legislation_en.htm [2] European Commission's 2025 Chemicals Industry Action Plan - https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-2019-2024/europe-s-new-industrial-strategy/chemicals-industry-action-plan_en [3] European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) - https://efsa.europa.eu/ [4] PAN Europe - https://www.pan-europe.info/ [5] CEEV - https://www.ceev.eu/
- The study on TFA in European wines suggests that the contamination may be a recent phenomenon, as no traces were found in Austrian wines from 1974 to 2015.
- The European Commission's 2025 Chemicals Industry Action Plan reinforces strict regulation of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), proposing a universal restriction on their manufacture, marketing, and use.
- PAN Europe advocates for a ban on PFAS pesticides, comprehensive monitoring of Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) in foods, and a precautionary regulatory approach due to significant toxicological data gaps.
- The European wine industry has seen a significant reduction in pesticide use and the steady expansion of organic vineyard acreage, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and environmental safety.
