The European Commission announced on December 7 that it would limit the content of four "permanent chemicals" in food from 2023, because they pose a threat to health. The European Commission statement said that perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) may have a negative impact on the immune system, fetal and infant development and cholesterol.

The European Commission in charge of health affairs, Stella Kiriakidis, issued a statement saying: "These new regulations show that we are committed to putting citizens' health first."

Perfluoroalkyl substances are also called "permanent chemicals" because their chemical composition cannot be decomposed.

These chemicals are widely used in various products containing antifouling and waterproof coatings, such as frying pans, raincoats, carpets or fire fighting foam.

The European Commission wrote on its website: "They are widely used, and their continued existence in the environment has led to extensive environmental pollution."

The following chemicals will be subject to new regulations from 2023: PFOS, PFOA, PFNA and PFHxS.