Tesco PFAS chemicals detected in every fish, meat and dairy sample tested, prompting calls for urgent action as campaigners highlight potential risks from forever chemicals in popular products

Researchers from the campaign group Foodrise and the University of Birmingham have uncovered concerning levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, widely known as PFAS or forever chemicals, in dozens of everyday Tesco products including tinned tuna, sausages, steak, salmon, eggs, milk and cheese.

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The analysis, released on Friday, tested 30 items and found traces of the persistent man-made chemicals in every single sample, raising questions about potential long-term health impacts for millions of British shoppers.

Carina Millstone, executive director of Foodrise, described the results as shocking. “Tesco must stop profiteering on the back of the nation’s health and take immediate steps to remove all forever chemicals from its products,” she said.

PFAS, a group of more than 5,000 synthetic compounds used in food packaging and industrial processes, are notorious for their ability to linger in the environment and accumulate in the human body.

They have been linked in studies to liver problems, certain cancers, pregnancy complications and other health issues.

The highest concentrations appeared in Tesco’s boneless cod fillets at 1.198 nanograms per gram, followed closely by sardines in brine, turkey sausages and smoked mackerel.

Fish and seafood showed the most frequent detections, while lower levels appeared in many meats, eggs and cheeses, with whole milk also registering relatively high readings.

Dr Mohamed Abdallah, chair in environmental chemistry at the University of Birmingham, called the universal presence of PFAS in the samples alarming.

The findings add to growing global scrutiny of these substances, which can enter the food chain through contaminated water, soil and packaging.

Tesco responded by emphasising product safety. “We take the safety of our products very seriously.

Our products and packaging are safe and comply with relevant UK and EU legislation,” a spokesman said.

The retailer noted that the tested items fell below current legal limits and that it continues to work with suppliers to meet incoming regulations on food packaging.

This latest study builds on previous campaign efforts urging major supermarkets, including Tesco, to eliminate PFAS from packaging.

While the European Food Safety Authority has set tolerable weekly intake guidelines, some scientists argue that even low-level, cumulative exposure warrants caution given the chemicals’ persistence.

The discovery has prompted renewed calls for stronger government and industry action to protect consumers, especially as public health advice continues to recommend regular consumption of fish.