Panorama’s PFAS wake-up call: why the UK food industry must act now

PFAS can persist in food long after it leaves the farm, highlighting the challenges for UK producers and regulators. Credit: Shutterstock

If you caught BBC Panorama earlier this week, you’ll know that the conversation around food safety just got a lot louder. The episode, ‘The Truth About Forever Chemicals’, didn’t just focus on the usual suspects like industrial runoff or water companies. It brought the issue right into our kitchens, highlighting how PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are finding their way into our food supply.

The UK can’t hit snooze on PFAS. These ‘forever chemicals’ are already on our plates, and the EU isn’t waiting.”

For the food and beverage industry, this isn’t exactly news. We’ve known about the persistence of these chemicals for years. However, the real hurdle isn’t just knowing they exist, but navigating the analytical challenges of PFAS compliance in an environment where detection limits are tightening. For the consumer, watching reporter Catrin Nye test positive for these chemicals in her own blood was a shock to the system. It transformed a complex chemical acronym into a very human problem.

The regulatory reality check

Here is the challenge. The UK is currently drifting when it comes to PFAS regulation. While we wait for the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to navigate its Regulatory Management Options Analysis (RMOA), the approach feels distinctly ‘wait and see’. The current UK proposal focuses heavily on firefighting foams and specific use cases, avoiding the broad-brush approach we are seeing elsewhere.

Contrast this with the EU. They are currently reviewing a universal restriction proposal that covers over 10,000 PFAS substances. It is widely considered the most extensive chemical restriction in history. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is moving through its scientific evaluation right now, with a final opinion expected by 2026. The EU isn’t just trimming the edges; they are looking to ban the intentional use of these chemicals across the board, including in food contact materials.

Why the ‘Brussels Effect’ matters more than Whitehall

You might be thinking, “Great, if the UK is slower, that gives us breathing room.” There is a compelling argument suggesting it does the exact opposite.

Most UK food and beverage manufacturers don’t operate in a vacuum. If you export to the EU, or if you are part of a supply chain that touches the continent, UK law is irrelevant. You will have to meet the EU’s higher standards to trade. We are already seeing the ‘Brussels Effect’ take hold, where the strictest regulatory standard becomes the de facto global standard because it’s simply too efficient to run two separate supply chains.

Dr. David Megson, the forensic environmental scientist featured on the programme, made a critical point: exposure isn’t just about water. It is about the everyday items we touch and the food we eat. When a figure like Dr. Megson highlights food packaging as a primary vehicle for these toxins, the industry has to listen.

The court of public opinion

Beyond the legalities, there is the reputational risk. The Panorama effect is real. Consumers are becoming increasingly literate about ‘clean label’ and chemical safety. They aren’t going to check if a product complies with the slightly softer UK REACH or the stricter EU REACH. They are just going to ask: “Is this safe for my family?”

If a retailer or brand is found to be using PFAS-laden packaging when a ‘clean’ alternative exists next door, the damage is done. The technical legality won’t save the brand image.

The sustainability intersection

This ties into the broader sustainability trend we have been tracking. We often talk about sustainability in terms of carbon and waste, but chemical persistence is the third pillar. PFAS are called ‘forever chemicals’ for a reason. They don’t break down.

Moving away from them isn’t just a safety box-ticking exercise; it is a fundamental part of the circular economy. You cannot effectively recycle or compost packaging material if it is laced with persistent toxins. The drive for sustainable packaging is now inextricably linked with chemical safety.

What’s next?

Expect the scrutiny to intensify. The EU’s ban proposal is moving through its committees (RAC and SEAC) as we speak. By 2026, we will likely see a concrete timeline for a total phase-out in Europe. In the UK, we might see a divergence where we end up becoming a dumping ground for products that are no longer compliant in the EU, until legislation inevitably catches up.