Scientists issue urgent warning about eating CEREAL

"Next time you chow down on your morning cereal, you could be consuming dangerous 'forever chemicals', scientists have warned. A new study from Pesticide Action Network (PAN) Europe has detected a toxic 'forever chemical' in cereal products sold across the continent. The synthetic substance, trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), comes from pesticides sprayed over crops like wheat and corn. Worryingly, TFA is known to have several adverse effects on human health. This includes disruptions to breathing pathways, liver function and the development of babies in the womb."

"While the study didn't name specific breakfast cereals or their manufacturers, TFA is likely widespread - especially in those containing wheat. Angeliki Lysimachou, head of science and policy at PAN Europe, said pesticides that contain TFA 'must be urgently banned'. 'We cannot allow children and pregnant women to be exposed to chemicals that we know harm reproductive health,' she said. TFA comes under the group known as PFAS (per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances), dubbed 'forever chemicals' because they are designed not to break down in the environment."

"Studies have linked PFAS to infertility, behavioural problems, birth defects, high cholesterol levels and even various cancers, including kidney, testicular and ovarian. This study - which focused on TFA - analysed 66 cereal-based products sold across 16 EU countries, including Ireland, Greece, France, Italy, Spain and Germany. As well as breakfast cereals, the researchers also looked at wholemeal and refined bread, pasta, croissants and flour, breadcrumbs, and biscuits."

Pesticide Action Network Europe detected trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) in 81.8% of 66 cereal-based products sampled across 16 EU countries, including cereals, bread, pasta, croissants, flour, breadcrumbs and biscuits. The average TFA concentration measured 78.9 µg/kg, with Irish breakfast cereal samples as high as 360 µg/kg. TFA is a persistent PFAS derived from pesticides sprayed on crops such as wheat and corn. TFA and related PFAS are associated with respiratory disruption, liver dysfunction, developmental harm in utero, infertility, behavioural problems, birth defects, high cholesterol and increased cancer risks. Pesticides containing TFA should be urgently banned to protect children and pregnant women.

Read at Mail Online