The government will make the standards for PFAS and perchlorate stricter in water used for the production of food and beverages. This was announced by the Minister of Social Affairs and Public Health, Frank Vandenbroucke, and the Minister of the Self-Employed, SMEs and Agriculture, David Clarinval. With this tightening, the ministers aim to protect public health against the harmful effects of PFAS and perchlorate.
The term PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) refers to the group of so-called ‘forever chemicals’, very strong chemical substances that are hard to break down. They are used in various applications, such as raincoats, adhesive tape, firefighting foam and non-stick pans. Due to their widespread use, they are common in nature.
Perchlorate is a chemical substance found mainly in the production of fireworks, fertilisers and ammunition. This substance dissolves easily in water and, like PFAS, is difficult to break down.
Prolonged exposure to these substances can increase the risk of cancer, hormonal imbalances or growth delays, fertility problems and premature births. For vulnerable groups, such as babies, young children or pregnant women, exposure can be particularly problematic.
There are multiple routes of exposure to PFAS and perchlorate, including ingestion via food or water, inhalation or skin contact. There are different types of drinking water, such as tap water or bottled water. Water is also used in the production of food and beverages. This underlines the critical importance of tightening the standards governing these substances in water used in the food and beverage industry.
Earlier this year, a royal decree was published to transpose a European directive that included, among other things, certain requirements concerning PFAS compounds in water.
The federal government is tightening the standards for a number of PFAS substances and for perchlorate in bottled water and production water, alongside the regional standards applicable to tap water. A transition period is planned to allow the necessary measures to be taken.
The government had requested the opinion of the Superior Health Council on this matter. The draft royal decree responds to this opinion.
Food producers will have to comply with stricter standards. No later than 5 years after the publication of this royal decree, a target value of 4 nanograms per litre will apply to the 4 most common PFAS (PFOA, PFOS, PFNA and PFHxS).
For perchlorate, the limit value is set at 13 micrograms per litre. In case of violations, the FASFC can take action and impose sanctions.
Minister of Social Affairs and Public Health Frank Vandenbroucke: “Ingesting PFAS or perchlorate affects the body's defence system, increases the risk of cancer and influences children's growth, learning ability and behaviour. A strong government must protect people's health. People themselves have no control over how their food or bottled water is produced. That is why we must be strict with industry.”
Minister of Agriculture David Clarinval: “Contamination of the environment with persistent compounds such as PFAS and perchlorate is widespread. Following a European regulation on maximum levels for certain contaminants in food, and the transposition of the Water Directive, even stricter measures for the 4 most common PFAS and for perchlorate are now being proposed to better guarantee food chain safety in Belgium.”