ALT The comic characters are shown, accompanied by the phrase "What does science say?" in various other languages.

ALT How soluble are tattoo pigments? The BfR has developed a new method that, for the first time, allows the solubility of tattoo pigments in the body to be assessed. The new method may help to assess tattoo pigments more systematically and identify problematic pigments.

ALT International PFAS conference. To highlight the latest advances in research on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and to identify priority steps for risk assessment in consumer protection, the BfR organised an international PFAS conference in Berlin in October 2025. The findings from the meeting and the recommendations derived from them have now been published in the scientific journal “Archives of Toxicology”.

ALT Study: Early childhood intake of dioxins/PFAS and semen quality in young men. The result: no link could be established between early intake of PFAS and semen quality later in life. Whilst a negative trend was observed for dioxins, this could not be statistically confirmed.

ALT Pre-cut fruit and vegetables may contain pathogens. High-risk groups should either avoid fresh-cut fruit and vegetables or prepare meals using fresh, thoroughly washed ingredients only shortly before consumption.

ALT Mushrooms: one mistake can be fatal. Poisoning incidents involving self-collected wild mushrooms occur repeatedly. In Germany, there are highly poisonous mushrooms that look strikingly similar to edible ones. This can be a hazard even for experienced foragers.

ALT Tips for ensuring an adequate iodine intake: Iodine is an essential trace element for the production of thyroid hormones, which regulate a wide range of metabolic processes in the body. Iodine must be taken up from the diet. As soil iodine levels in Germany are low, agricultural products contain very little iodine. The BfR has published FAQ on iodine.

ALT Pesticides in coffee: „Banned“ and „highly toxic“? Data from the food monitoring authorities of the German federal states show that only a very small proportion (two to three per cent) of green coffee samples exceed the respective MRL. Based on current knowledge, the applicable authorisation criteria for PPPs do not suggest that there are any health risks to consumers arising from the consumption of coffee.

ALT Knowledge gaps about mould. Mould toxins (mycotoxins) in food are not rendered harmless by the heat generated during baking or cooking and may therefore retain their harmful properties. Many consumers are unaware of this fact, as shown by a recent survey conducted by the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR).

ALT The BfR conducts assessments of the volumes of antibiotics used in cattle, pigs, chickens and turkeys, as well as the frequency of treatment across various types of livestock. The latest report for 2025 shows a slight decline in total consumption of around three per cent compared with the previous year.

ALT Vitamin D poisoning in infants. In July 2026, another case of severe vitamin D poisoning in an infant was reported in Germany. Vitamin D regulates the calcium and phosphate metabolism and promotes bone strength. It also contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system. However, excessive intake of vitamin D can pose health risks and lead to vitamin D toxicity.

ALT Infections from vibrios. Anyone taking a dip in the ocean, or in rivers or lakes, while temperatures are high may have to be more cautious in the future. Bacteria of the genus Vibrio reproduce faster when the water temperatures are higher. They can enter the human body via small, unnoticed wounds and proceed to cause wound infections which can be life-threatening.

ALT Over 35 years of good laboratory practice (GLP) in Germany. GLP is a quality system for non-clinical health and environmental safety studies. To mark the 35th anniversary of the incorporation of GLP in German law, the BfR has published a report on the German GLP compliance monitoring programme.

ALT Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) in food. TFA is one of the perfluorooctane sulfonic acids (PFAS), a widespread group of persistent industrial chemicals. It is difficult to break down and therefore remains in the environment for a long time, enters the food chain and has been detected in various foods. The BfR answers questions about TFA.

ALT From lab to life: In many cases, assessing the health risks of chemicals still relies on results from animal studies. However, numerous animal-free test methods —collectively referred to as New Approach Methodologies (NAMs)— are already available. The NAMs4NANO consortium has now proposed an implementation plan for a generic NAMs Qualification System for use in the food and feed sector.

ALT Microplastics: Ubiquitous and scientifically complex: The small particles are found in the environment, in food and even in the human body. To date, there is no evidence that they are harmful to health, but research is ongoing.

ALT Humans come into contact with microplastics via the skin, breathing and diet, amongst other routes. Alongside air, dietary intake is considered the main source of exposure. It is difficult to determine exactly what actual amount enters the body. It has not yet been conclusively clarified how microplastics that remain in the body affect health. Reports of microplastics in organs such as the brain are particularly worrying. BfR2GO describes challenges associated with the analysis and interpretation of the data.