Across the Netherlands, private eggs can contain high levels of PFAS Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). This is evident from new research conducted at 60 different locations. RIVM advises against eating private eggs. In the Netherlands, we already consume a lot of PFAS through other food items and partly through drinking water. The amount that people ingest through private eggs is in addition to that. By not eating private eggs, a much higher PFAS intake can be avoided. Commercial eggs from a store or market can still be eaten.
Private eggs come from chickens that are kept as a hobby. For example, in backyards, vegetable gardens, animal pastures, and care and children’s farms.
RIVM gives general advice for the entire Netherlands
RIVM calculated how much PFAS Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) people can ingest through private eggs at 60 locations in the Netherlands. These amounts were compared by RIVM with the health-based limit value of PFAS. At 31 of these locations, people already ingest more PFAS than this limit value if they eat less than 1 egg per week. High concentrations of PFAS have also been found in many other locations. Since the intake of PFAS through these eggs can be high and it is not possible to see how much PFAS is in an egg from the outside, RIVM gives the general advice not to eat private eggs.
Health effects of PFAS
If people ingest more PFAS than the health-based limit value for an extended period, it can be harmful to health. PFAS can affect the immune system, reproduction, and the development of the unborn child. It can also affect cholesterol in the blood, the liver, and can cause kidney and testicular cancer. Therefore, it is important to minimize PFAS intake.
RIVM is researching the cause
The research shows that the amount of PFAS in private eggs can vary at each location. It is still unclear how PFAS gets into these eggs. It is possible that earthworms (external link) are the cause. These can be eaten by the chickens. RIVM is currently conducting follow-up research into sources of PFAS in private eggs.
Less PFAS in eggs from the (super)market
Commercial eggs from a store or market can still be eaten. These eggs are usually packaged and must always be coded with a stamp on the shell of the egg. Commercial eggs are subject to the supervision of the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA).