C22 | Preliminary results on perfluoroalkyl substance contamination levels in pork liver, ham and loin

G. Depau, L. Sardi, S. Belperio, G. Rampazzo, E. Zironi, G. Pagliuca, T. Gazzotti. | Dip. di Scienze Mediche Veterinarie, Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna.

Purpose. Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are highly persistent and bioaccumulative synthetic compounds associated with adverse effects on human health, particularly on the immune system and prenatal development. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) recently classified perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) as a human carcinogen. Since diet is the main route of exposure, monitoring PFAS in food is crucial for risk assessment. In this regard, Regulation (EU) 2023/915 has established maximum limits for certain PFAS in various food products. Despite the importance of the pig sector, information on the distribution of PFAS in pig tissues remains scarce. This study aimed to assess PFAS contamination levels in pig liver, ham and loin in order to contribute to the characterisation of risk in these matrices. Methods. Analyses were performed using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The four congeners currently regulated by Regulation (EU) 2023/915 were analysed: PFOS, PFOA, PFNA, PFHxS and their sum. The contamination levels of 45 samples were compared, divided equally into three categories: liver, ham and loin, all taken from pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus) reared in the same livestock context. The results obtained were used to assess the distribution of PFAS in the three selected matrices and were compared with the maximum levels (ML) set by current legislation. Results. All the matrices analysed complied with the maximum levels established for PFAS by Regulation (EU) 2023/915. The PFAS concentrations determined in the liver samples are higher and show greater variability than those measured in ham and loin, confirming the liver as the main site of bioaccumulation in pigs. The average PFOS concentrations in the liver, equal to 104 ng/kg, are 10 times higher than those found in ham and loin samples. The same trend is observed for PFOA levels, with average liver concentrations 2.5 and 2 times higher than those found in ham and loin, respectively. The results for the sum of the four regulated PFAS show the following average concentrations: 221 ng/kg in the liver, 35 ng/kg in ham and 54 ng/kg in loin. Conclusions. The results confirm that the liver is the main site of PFAS accumulation in pigs, with significantly higher concentrations than in ham and loin. The marked differences in terms of concentration and variability highlight the importance of selecting the liver as the target matrix for monitoring and controlling PFAS contamination. These data aim to improve understanding of PFAS contamination in foods of animal origin and highlight the importance of further investigation to ensure effective control and more accurate risk assessment.