Trifluoroacetic Acid (TFA) – Toxicological Relevance and Exposure
Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) is a highly stable and mobile compound from the PFAS group, which is increasingly coming under the scrutiny of regulatory authorities and the public. Due to its chemical properties, TFA accumulates in the environment and is now detectable in numerous foods and water sources.
In July 2025, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) established an ADI (acceptable daily intake) of 0.05 mg/kg body weight for TFA. In parallel, German authorities classified TFA as reproductive toxicant (Category 1B) and as very persistent and very mobile (vPvM), and submitted it for evaluation to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).
TFA enters the environment through various pathways and subsequently the food chain. Key sources include the atmospheric degradation of fluorinated refrigerants, the use of trifluoromethylated pesticides, and industrial processes involving or releasing fluorinated chemicals. Once in the environment, TFA is barely degraded and, due to its mobility, can be transferred via water, plants, and soils into food.
Because of its stability, TFA is now widely detectable in surface waters, groundwater, plants, and food, including wine, baby food, and vegetables.
Our Laboratory Service: TFA Analysis According to EURL-SRM
Our laboratory provides precise TFA analysis in food and water samples based on the QuPPe method of the EU Reference Laboratory for Pesticide Residues (EURL-SRM). Analyses are performed using LC-MS/MS and meet the stringent requirements of modern residue analysis for polar compounds.
With our extensive expertise in food analytics, we help you safely detect TFA levels and interpret them in the context of current toxicological assessments.
- Matrices: Food, Water
- Detection Limits: 10 µg/L for water, 40 µg/kg for food
Rely on our laboratory for reliable, sensitive, and compliant TFA analyses to ensure the safety and quality of your products.