“Forever Chemicals” on our Plates

A discussion event with scientific insights into PFAS in our food system

19 March 2026, 18:00 – 20:30
Dozentenfoyer, ETH Zurich Main Building, Floor J, take the lift
In collaboration with scientists from ETH Zurich, Eawag, and the Food Packaging Forum

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), so‑called “forever chemicals,” are no longer confined to industrial sites; they have made their way into Swiss soils, waterways, and ultimately into the food we eat. Recent headlines have highlighted PFAS detections in everyday foods such as meat, fish, eggs, and even milk and yoghurt, with several samples found to exceed permitted limits. But how do these substances enter the food chain, and what does their growing presence mean for our microbiome and overall health?

Join the World Food System Center for a science-based dialogue that goes beyond the headlines to trace the journey of PFAS. Following spotlight presentations, we invite the audience to engage in a panel discussion and continue the conversation over an Apéro, featuring dedicated discussion tables with the scientists.

Speakers

– Elvira Rudin, Doctoral Candidate, Environmental Chemistry Group, Department of Environmental System Science, ETH Zurich
– Serina Robinson, Group Leader, Microbial Specialized Metabolism Group, Department of Environmental Microbiology, Eawag
– Georg Aichinger, Group Leader, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich
– Katrin Hecht, Lecturer at the Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich
– Jane Muncke, Managing Director and Chief Scientific Officer, Food Packaging Forum
​Program​

17:30 – Doors Open ​
18:00 – Welcome & Introduction
18:05 – Spotlight Presentations​​
18:45 – Panel Discussion​
19:25 – Wrap Up​
19:30 – Networking & Apéro