A new study from the University of Cambridge, published in Nature Microbiology, has identified gut bacteria capable of absorbing up to 75% of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) from their surroundings.
PFAS are synthetic chemicals found in thousands of consumer products, ranging from nonstick cookware and waterproof textiles to cosmetics and food packaging. Often referred to as “forever chemicals” for their resistance to breaking down in the environment, they can build up in the human body over time.
What makes this research notable is the lack of existing solutions. At present, there are no approved treatments to remove PFAS once they enter the body. The Cambridge findings suggest that naturally occurring gut bacteria may play a role in reducing exposure levels, highlighting a new and potentially beneficial biological pathway that could support long-term public health.
The Study at a Glance
In laboratory studies with mice, nine bacterial species capable of absorbing PFAS were shown to rapidly absorb PFAS compounds, removing them from the body through natural excretion. Importantly, as PFAS levels increased, the bacteria continued to remove a consistent proportion of the compounds, suggesting they could function as a natural filtration system within the gut.
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Researchers identified nine bacterial species capable of absorbing PFAS, including several from the Bacteroides family, along with Odoribacter splanchnicus, Parabacteroides distasonis, and Parabacteroides merdae.
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These bacteria absorbed 25% to 74% of PFAS compounds within minutes of exposure.
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The species clustered PFAS inside their cells as a protective mechanism, then carried the chemicals out of the body through waste.
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The mechanism appeared effective across different exposure levels, including concentrations comparable to PFAS levels found in U.S. and European water samples.
Notably, the bacteria were more effective against long-chain PFAS, which remain in the body for years and are largely excreted via feces, compared to short-chain PFAS that leave the body more quickly through urine.
Why This Matters
Since there are no approved treatments to remove PFAS from the human body, the use of naturally occurring gut bacteria—or probiotics derived from them—could represent a new tool for reducing PFAS accumulation.
For foodservice leaders, the relevance is twofold:
Packaging and Compliance: PFAS are under increasing regulatory scrutiny in packaging materials. Discoveries like this illustrate how science is moving toward potential remediation pathways, even as regulations tighten.
Consumer Trust and Transparency: Awareness of PFAS is rising. Insights from studies like this can influence consumer expectations and shift the dialogue toward safer, more sustainable materials.
Current Limitations
While promising, the research remains early-stage:
The findings come from animal studies only; human applicability is not yet confirmed.
The long-term effects of boosting specific bacteria in the human gut are unknown.
Introducing bacterial strains—even those already present in healthy microbiomes—could carry unintended risks, such as disrupting microbial balance or altering digestion and drug metabolism.
Medical experts emphasized the need for long-term human trials before considering probiotic-based interventions as a solution.
Strategic Outlook
At this stage, the findings serve more as an early signal than a ready solution. Still, they contribute to the growing momentum at the intersection of microbiome research, environmental health, and consumer safety, an area that is likely to attract increasing scientific and regulatory attention. Executives in foodservice should monitor these developments for three reasons:
Regulatory Pressure: PFAS restrictions are tightening, particularly in food packaging. Any breakthrough in mitigation adds context to policymaking.
Reputation Management: Brands that demonstrate awareness of PFAS risks and engage with science-backed solutions will be better positioned with health-conscious consumers.
Innovation Watch: If microbiome-based interventions advance, they could influence health, wellness, and product marketing narratives in the years ahead.
The Takeaway
Early research suggests that naturally occurring gut bacteria may help reduce PFAS in the body, offering a potential new pathway to address “forever chemicals.” While clinical applications are not yet proven, the study underscores growing momentum around PFAS reduction strategies.
For foodservice leaders, the message is clear: PFAS will remain a focal point of regulation, consumer concern, and innovation. Staying ahead of this evolving landscape will be critical to both compliance and brand trust.
That’s why Restaurantware offers a wide range of no PFAS-added take out solutions, including our Pulp Safe collection — a no-PFAS added, home-compostable line built to help operators reduce risk, strengthen sustainability commitments, and reassure customers that their dining experience is supported by safer, future-ready options. Explore our range of no-PFAS-added take out solutions to find the right fit for your business.
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