On February 24, 2022, FDA released PFAS test results from samples that were collected for the FY2021 regional collection of the Total Diet Study (a program to monitor nutrients and contaminant levels in foods). 89 of the 92 tested food samples had no detectable levels of PFAS and, while PFAS was found in three seafood samples (tilapia, cod, and shrimp), given the limited sample size, no conclusions could be drawn about PFAS levels in seafood in the general food supply.

PFAS (i.e., per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a diverse group of widely used, long lasting chemicals that do not easily breakdown and can accumulate in the environment and human tissues with potential negative health consequences. They are authorized for certain food contact uses by FDA, although FDA and industry have agreed to voluntarily phase out certain types of PFAS (6:2 FTOH) and a number of states have also passed laws to phase out the use of PFAS.

This is the fifth set of general food supply testing conducted by FDA and, of the 532 total samples tested, only 10 have had detectable PFAS. Based on this data, there is currently no evidence that indicates that certain foods should be avoided based on PFAS levels.