A new report by the environmental group PAN Europe has revealed traces of PFAS – also known as “forever chemicals” – in bottles of wine from ten EU countries. These synthetic substances are dangerous because they do not break down in nature. In some cases, PFAS levels were up to 100 times higher than those allowed in drinking water.
What Did the Study Find?
Researchers focused on TFA (trifluoroacetic acid), a PFAS residue. It was found in wines sold in supermarkets across Europe. Even bottles labeled as organic contained the chemical.
Salomé Roynel, policy officer at PAN Europe, explained: “The contamination comes from multiple sources. Fluorinated gases from air conditioners and cooling systems are a major contributor. They are released into the air and later fall back into the soil and water.”
Another cause is PFAS-based pesticides. These chemicals are sprayed on crops, seep into the ground, and eventually pollute groundwater. That same water is used in farming – and ends up in wine.
Pollution Has Increased Since 1988
The researchers also looked at wines from different years. Before 1988, they found no trace of TFA. After that, levels steadily increased and peaked after 2010.
This rise is linked to the Montreal Protocol, an international treaty signed in 1987 to protect the ozone layer. It banned certain harmful substances, leading industries to use fluorinated gases instead. These gases release TFA into the environment.
At the same time, PFAS-based pesticides became more common. PAN Europe says both developments happened in parallel and match the timeline of rising PFAS levels in wine.
Health Risks Still Unknown
TFA remains poorly studied. PAN Europe is calling for urgent research. One animal study showed that TFA harmed rabbit fetuses, raising concerns about effects on human reproduction and development.
“We still know too little about this chemical,” Roynel said. “But early findings suggest we should be very careful.”
Clean-Up Is Possible, But Difficult
It is technically possible to remove TFA from water. But the process is costly, uses a lot of energy, and requires extra clean water. Plus, it leaves behind contaminated waste, which raises new environmental concerns.
EU Faces Growing Pressure to Act
PAN Europe is urging politicians to step in. EU Member States will meet next month to discuss banning a PFAS-based pesticide. The organization is calling for a clear plan to phase out all PFAS substances across Europe.
“We need strong political action now – before the pollution becomes unmanageable,” said Roynel.
This study sends a strong signal. Even wine produced under organic standards is not safe from PFAS. The problem doesn’t lie with the winemakers, but with the environment itself – polluted air, soil, and water have become part of the production chain.