Countryfile's 'Forever Chemicals' Segment Sparks Viewer Dismay
Countryfile viewers were met with a dose of gloom on Sunday night as investigative reporter Tom Heap presented a segment on the presence of "forever chemicals" in our food. Regular fans of the show have come to associate Heap's appearances with less-than-optimistic reports on rural issues, often opting for the more light-hearted farming stories.
Heap's investigation focused on the increasing concerns around per- and poly fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food and human bodies, exploring the farming industry's adaptation to these worries. He interviewed experts to assess the severity of the situation and gather information on the potential risks associated with these chemicals.
The segment delved into the origins of these "forever chemicals", revealing their presence in pesticides used in agriculture and everyday household items such as non-stick cookware. Heap conducted a lab test on his picnic food to determine the presence of PFAS and even underwent a blood test to check for the chemicals in his own body.
The appearance of Heap on screen prompted a wave of reactions from viewers, many expressing their disappointment at the depressing nature of the segment. Some took to Twitter to express their dismay, with one viewer posting a GIF of the Grim Reaper, while another simply wrote, "What's gloom and doom got for us this week thenâ¦" Another viewer, seemingly baffled by the negative tone, posed the question: "Has Tom ever reported on a positive item?"
Professor Crispin Halsall of Lancaster University explained to Heap that PFAS chemicals often end up in landfill, where their persistence and difficulty to break down lead to contamination of drinking water. He highlighted the myriad health effects associated with PFAS exposure, including immunosuppression, liver disease, endocrine disruption, and an increased risk of certain cancers.
While some Countryfile viewers remained unmoved, labelling the segment "a waste of 10 minutes" of screen time, others found the story "absolutely terrifying" and called for action to ban these chemicals.
In a statement to the show, a Defra spokesperson acknowledged the government's consideration of the best approach to chemical regulation and highlighted their commitment to achieving legally binding targets for nature conservation through the Environmental Improvement Plan.
Beyond the "forever chemicals" report, the episode featured presenter Sean Fletcher's exploration of Borrowdale in the Lake District, showcasing one of the UK's largest remaining temperate rainforests. Fletcher met with conservationists dedicated to preserving this environment and learned about the revival of traditional hay meadows in the region.
The episode concluded with Fletcher joining a local conservationist in a nocturnal search for the rare netted carpet moth, which only emerges for a brief two-week period each year. Unfortunately, their attempt to spot the elusive creature was unsuccessful.
Countryfile continues on Sunday at 7pm on BBC One.
