DETAILS on the levels of harmful chemicals in locally grown and reared food are set to be released at a public meeting next week.
The government has established an independent panel of scientists to review PFAS levels and make recommendations for action.
The panel’s next report, its fourth – which will include the findings of this summer’s testing programme – will focus on PFAS in food, biosolids and private boreholes and is expected to be shared at its next public meeting at St Brelade’s Parish Hall on Wednesday 17 December.
Members of the Government’s Regulation team have been testing produce over the last few months for levels of several types of the manmade carbon-based compound, which collectively are called ‘forever chemicals’.
Concerning why testing crops for PFAS is recommended, the panel stated: “Vegetables and fruit grown as crops in Jersey will be tested to ascertain the level of PFAS compound contamination.
“Additionally, where possible, produce grown in areas of proven increased exposure will be compared to produce grown outside of these areas to determine the effect of the contaminated area on fruit and vegetables grown for consumption.
“A range of fresh produce grown as commercial crops will be sampled for PFAS testing. These will include root vegetables such as potatoes and carrots and low growing vegetables such as cauliflower and courgettes. These are more likely to absorb PFAS from contaminated soil or irrigation water due to their proximity to the ground and the nature of their edible parts.
The first part of the panel’s fourth report – looking at PFAS in mains water – has already been published in draft form and recommended that the government sets a new regulatory limit for PFAS levels in mains drinking water.
Although Jersey Water’s public water supply currently meets both UK and EU regulatory standards for PFAS, the panel recommended that the government sets a new, lower combined limit for four key types of PFAS of four nanograms per litre which Jersey Water has committed to comply with.
