Food Standards Australia New Zealand has found per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) levels in food are as low as reasonably achievable.

They pose no public health and safety concerns for the general Australian population, FSANZ chief executive Sandra Cuthbert said on Friday.

Researchers tested for 30 types of PFAS in a broad range of food and beverages typically eaten by Australians.

"Only one type of PFAS - perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) - was detected at low levels in less than two per cent of all foods sampled," Dr Cuthbert said.

"Overall, dietary exposure to PFOS for the general Australian population was well under the tolerable daily intake."

PFAS levels were well below the Food Standards Australia New Zealand trigger-point for site investigation.

They were also below the National Health and Medical Research Council's drinking water guideline values.

Researchers also found PFAS levels in Australian foods were consistently lower than those found in overseas studies conducted in Europe, the US, the UK and China.

The group says there is no current need for additional risk management measures, such as maximum levels, in the Australia and New Zealand food standards code.

The study also tested food for agricultural and veterinary chemicals, contaminants and natural toxicants.

Nutrients and food additives were also measured.

Overall, researchers analysed 1336 samples representing 112 commonly eaten foods sourced from across the nation.

It is the 27th Australian Total Diet Study to monitor the safety of the Australian food supply.

Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances are a class of manufactured chemicals that have been in use since the 1950s.

They are used to make products that resist heat, stains, grease and water.

Products that may contain PFAS include furniture and carpets treated for stain resistance, and foams used for firefighting.

PFAS have contaminated some sites where firefighting foams have been used, according to the Australian Health Department.

Over time, these chemicals have worked their way through the soil to contaminate surface and ground water and leach into adjoining land areas.

PFAS chemicals can be toxic to fish and some animals if they build up in their bodies.

There is limited evidence about how prolonged exposure to PFAS impacts human health.

Firefighting foam containing PFAS was used across Australia from the 1970s due to its effectiveness in extinguishing liquid fuel fires.

The Australian Defence Force started phasing its use out in 2004.

It continues to investigate and remediate environmental and drinking water contamination in and around multiple military bases.

The Federal Court in March approved the $212.5 million settlement for three PFAS contamination class actions against Defence.

Lawyers continue to fight for compensation for alleged victims of PFAS contamination at eight other sites.

Australian Associated Press