Objective:

To highlight the urgent and growing concern of chemical hazards in water used for agrifood systems and the critical need for improved monitoring and management.

Key Findings:

• Chemical contamination in irrigation and aquaculture water is a growing concern, often overlooked compared to microbiological hazards, with potential long-term health impacts.
• Emerging contaminants, including pesticide residues and PFAS, pose significant risks to food safety and require urgent attention.
• The shift towards alternative water sources due to climate change and rising demand increases uncertainty about chemical quality, necessitating proactive measures.

Interpretation:

The report underscores the urgent need for a paradigm shift in food safety to prioritize chemical water quality, emphasizing the critical role of analytical scientists in monitoring and risk assessment.

Limitations:

• Current monitoring of chemical contaminants in water used for food production is underdeveloped, posing risks to public health.
• The report does not provide specific guidelines for immediate action or regulatory changes, which is essential for effective implementation.

Conclusion:

Addressing chemical water quality is essential for food safety and achieving UN sustainable development goals, necessitating ongoing assessment, collaboration across sectors, and specific actions to mitigate risks.