Thurles Information

* PAN Europe reports Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) was detected in 81.8% of 66 cereal-based food samples across 16 European countries, with a peak reported value of 360 μg/kg in Irish-purchased breakfast cereals.
* No brand names are provided in the publicly available PAN Europe press materials with products described by category and country of purchase.

Read Full Report HERE

Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA-chemical formula CF3CO2H), a highly persistent “forever chemical” linked to the PFAS family, has been detected in a wide range of cereal-based foods purchased across Europe, according to findings published this month by Pesticide Action Network (PAN) Europe. Read Full Report.

These findings provide compelling evidence that TFA has become deeply embedded in the European diet, demanding urgent regulatory action, with PAN Europe calling for an immediate ban on PFAS pesticides, alongside a protective acceptable daily intake (ADI) that accounts for current toxicological uncertainties and vulnerable populations such as children, according to the precautionary principle. This should be complemented by EU-wide monitoring of TFA in food and the environment, as well as support for farmers to transition towards safer, non-synthetic crop protection methods.

PAN Europe said its investigation analysed 66 conventional cereal products bought in 16 European countries, including breakfast cereals, breads, pasta and flour. It reported TFA was detected in 81.8% (54/66) of samples, with an average concentration of 78.9 μg/kg and peak values up to 360 μg/kg.

Among the highest results cited by PAN Europe was 360 μg/kg in breakfast cereals purchased in Ireland, with other high readings reported in products such as Belgian wholemeal bread and French bakery items.
Important clarification: no product or supermarket brands are named.

While the findings have prompted significant public concern, sadly the published PAN Europe materials coverage fails to identify any specific product names or supermarket brands; only to some wheat-based breakfast cereals bought in Irish supermarkets noting that TFA was not detected in a popular brand of Irish porridge oats, without naming any brand.
PAN Europe’s press release similarly lists results by food type and country of purchase [for example, “breakfast cereals (purchased in Ireland)”] rather than naming retail products.

Regulatory debate and calls for monitoring.
PAN Europe argues the findings highlight the need for routine monitoring of TFA in food and water, the setting of a more protective safety limit, and a move to end sources of contamination including PFAS-related pesticides.

CropLife Europe, representing the pesticide industry, has responded that available assessments indicate no toxicological concern “under realistic conditions of exposure”, and is calling for a risk-based approach while EU assessment processes continue.

Unlike tobacco, whose harms are long-established, TFA is still moving through the EU classification system, a hazard-based step that does not, by itself, determine consumer risk, which depends on exposure.

Recall of a batch of The Galway Kitchen Classic Houmous due to an incorrect use-by date.

Alert Summary dated Friday,December 19th 2025.

Category 1: For Action.
Alert Notification: 2025.72.
Product Identification: The Galway Kitchen Classic Houmous; pack size: 200g.
Batch Code: Use-by 19/01/2026.
Country Of Origin: Ireland.

Message: The above batch of The Galway Kitchen Classic Houmous is being recalled due to an incorrect use-by date. If consumed after the 24th of December 2025, this may pose a microbiological risk which may make the batch unsafe to eat. Recall notices will be displayed at point-of-sale.

Action Required: Retailers and Consumers.
Retailers: Same are requested to remove the implicated batch from sale and display recall notices at point-of-sale.
Consumers: Consumers are advised not to eat the implicated batch after the 24th December 2025.

Recall of several batches of Quail.ie Always Fresh 20 Quail Eggs due to the possible presence of Salmonella.

Alert Summary Dated Thursday, December 18th, 2025

Category 1: For Action.
Alert Notification: 2025.71.
Product Identification: Quail.ie Always Fresh 20 Quail Eggs.
Batch Code: All best before dates up to and including 10 Jan 2026.
Country Of Origin: Ireland.

Message: The above batches of Quail.ie Always Fresh 20 Quail Eggs are being recalled due to the possible presence of Salmonella.

Recall notices will be displayed at point-of-sale.

Nature Of Danger: People infected with Salmonella typically develop symptoms between 12 and 36 hours after infection, but this can range between 6 and 72 hours. The most common symptom is diarrhoea, which can sometimes be bloody. Other symptoms may include fever, headache, and abdominal cramps. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days. Diarrhoea can occasionally be severe enough to require hospital admission. The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness.

Action Required: Caterers Retailers and Customers:

Retailers: Same are requested to remove the implicated batches from sale and display recall notices at point-of-sale.
Caterers: Same should not use the implicated batches.
Consumers: Consumers are advised not to eat the implicated batches.