Countryfile: Tom Heap discusses 'forever chemicals' in foods
Countryfile viewers took to social media to fume after a feature by presenter Tom Heap was blasted for causing "hysteria".
The BBC Sunday evening show was in England's largest remaining rainforest at Borrowdale Oakwoods on Sunday (August 18) and while in the area Tom investigated the potentially toxic chemicals that can end up in everyday food items without consumer's knowledge.
He explained the toxins, known as "forever chemicals", can linger in the environment for hundreds of years. "They can last for centuries in the environment and you can find them in every corner of our lives from non-stick pans to waterproof clothing and cosmetics," he said.
Seeking out experts in the field for the in depth segment he discovered the pesticides used by growers could be the main source of chemicals, such as PFOS, PFOA, PFNA and PDHS which are emerging in our foodstuff.
One expert, Nick Mole from Pesticide Action Network UK, informed the presenter: "The issues of PFAS in agriculture as pesticides is a fairly new one.
"We only became aware of it last year, when our colleagues in Europe discovered there were 31 active substances approved for use there that can be classified as PFAS chemicals.
"So when a pesticide or a PFAS pesticide has been used, it can often stay on the plant and end up on people's plates as a pesticide residue," he said.
Despite sounding ominous, Tom learned that a 2022 study carried out by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) deemed the levels of "forever chemicals" found in British food were "considered safe to eat".
Tucking into a picnic containing items believed to contain the toxins he then sent the leftover food from his lunch to a lab to see which contained the most chemicals.
Strawberries, tomatoes, bread, cream and ham were tested for PFOS, PFOA, PFNA and PDHS and it transpired all five foods contained traces of the chemicals
While Tom presented the segment with gravitas many viewers felt it's sole purpose was to create "hysteria".
Don't miss...
The popular town home to over 80,000 that has no mainline train after disaster [INSIGHT]
Jeremy Clarkson issues four-word health update following dementia fears [INSIGHT]
Tasha Ghouri danced in front of Royals alongside beloved Strictly pro [PICTURES]
One fan fumed: "So a waste of 10 minutes for Tom to tell us that there are small amounts (traces) of forever chemicals #countryfile." @EAgboaye84527 concurred, writing: "The hysteria around 'forever chemicals' needs to stop... #Countryfile."
A third blasted the feature for scare-mongering raging: "@BBCCountryfile stop scaring people #PFAS. Nowhere near enough known about #ForeverChemicals." "Please stop saying 'forever chemicals'. We don't care and this isn't newsround #countryfile," a fourth viewer chimed in.
Meanwhile a fifth pointed out: "How many people will care about pesticides on food and potential cancer if it means cheap food? Also, going back to old methods, how will that work now we have huge population growth and a build build build mentality? #countryfile."
However some viewers appreciated the feature with one observing: "No Wonder 1 in 2 of us now gets cancer. How long will it take till all these chemicals are banned for the health of us all #countryfile." (sic)
