RIVM advises against consuming home-produced eggs due to PFAS contamination
The Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) has issued advisories against consuming eggs from backyard chickens due to the discovery of high concentrations of PFAS in eggs collected across the Netherlands. PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) levels in eggs from backyard chickens in the Netherlands are generally higher than in commercial eggs due to several environmental and management factors associated with small-scale, non-commercial poultry keeping.
Backyard chickens often have unrestricted access to outdoor environments where they forage for food. This behavior increases their exposure to PFAS-contaminated soil, insects, and particularly earthworms, which have been identified as significant accumulators of PFAS. Consuming eggs with high PFAS levels can contribute to the accumulation of these substances in the human body, potentially leading to adverse health effects over time.
In contrast, commercial egg production typically involves controlled feeding practices and housing conditions that limit the chickens' exposure to environmental contaminants. As a result, PFAS levels in commercial eggs are generally lower. It is important for individuals who keep backyard chickens to be aware of these risks and consider measures to reduce PFAS exposure, such as limiting the chickens' access to potentially contaminated soil and providing clean feed and water.
