German Environmental Group Sues Over Pesticide Linked to 'Forever Chemical' in Drinking Water
Berlin – September 08, 2026 -- The German environmental group Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH) has filed a lawsuit at the Administrative Court of Braunschweig challenging the approval of the pesticide Joystick, arguing it releases the persistent chemical trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) into the environment.
EFSA toughens its health risk assessment of TFA
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recently strengthened its health risk evaluation of TFA, citing evidence that the substance can alter levels of thyroxine, a thyroid hormone. EFSA also flagged the need for further research into long-term risks, including potential cancer risk and effects on the immune system.
Joystick's active ingredient breaks down into TFA
Joystick, a herbicide used in field crop farming, contains the active ingredient diflufenican. According to recent scientific findings cited by DUH, this compound degrades in the environment partly into TFA.