How to reduce exposure to cadmium and PFAS in food and water

Cadmium and PFAS — commonly known as “forever chemicals” — are pervasive contaminants found in a wide range of everyday foods and even tap water, according to reporting by France 24. While the most effective responses to these health risks lie in political and regulatory action, experts and advocates point to several steps individuals can take to limit their exposure.

Coverage comparison

France 24 has produced a three-part series examining food contamination, blending scientific analysis with personal stories. The first article in the series, focused on cadmium and PFAS, provides an overview of the contaminants, their health impacts, and practical recommendations. A second article shifts to a more personal angle, featuring interviews with individuals who describe the anxiety and mental strain caused by learning about food contamination, particularly among women and young mothers. Both articles maintain a neutral tone in presenting facts, while the personal story piece adopts a more emotive language, quoting affected consumers directly.

Key claims

  • Cadmium is a heavy metal that can harm human health, found in foods such as cereals, seafood, and chocolate, as reported by France 24.
  • The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) analysed cadmium exposure across 144 food groups in a 2012 study that remains one of the most detailed on the subject, according to the same outlet.
  • PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are called “forever chemicals” because they persist in the environment, and have been detected in fish, molluscs, and animal organs.
  • The environmental NGO Générations Futures has analysed PFAS in food samples from France, Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands.
  • Drinking water can also be contaminated with PFAS; using a water filter pitcher or filtration system may help reduce exposure.
  • Opting for organic produce is recommended to lower exposure to both cadmium and PFAS.
  • The French government has passed a bill aimed at reducing exposure to cadmium.
  • According to a survey cited by France 24, 40 percent of French people believe the quality of food products has deteriorated over the past five years.
  • Women, particularly young mothers, are disproportionately affected by concerns about food safety, the reporting suggests.

Practical steps to reduce exposure

For cadmium, a key recommendation is to be mindful of cereal consumption. Along with tobacco, food is a major source of cadmium poisoning, according to a March study by France’s National Food Safety Agency (ANSES). Because cadmium accumulates in the liver and kidneys and raises the risk of cancers and cardiovascular diseases, paying attention to both the contamination levels of specific ingredients and how often they are eaten is important.

When it comes to PFAS, which have been found in fish, molluscs, and animal organs, filtering tap water is one way to reduce exposure. Organic produce is also advised as a means of avoiding both cadmium and PFAS residues.

Personal impact

The second article in the series highlights how awareness of food contamination can trigger significant anxiety. Laura, a 41-year-old Parisian, described learning about cadmium as an “eye-opener” that made her re-evaluate the food in her home. Christine, a single mother from Savoie, said she began paying closer attention to food when her daughter was born, opting for organic products and avoiding ultra-processed foods. Both women expressed concern about the scale of contamination and the difficulty of making informed choices.

France 24’s reporting also notes that the agri-food industry has been criticised for distancing consumers from the origins and ingredients of their food, compounding the challenge of navigating conflicting safety information.