High Levels of PFAS in Home-Produced Eggs in the Netherlands and Sweden

On 14 April, the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) issued a nationwide recommendation advising against the consumption of home-produced eggs, following a recent study that revealed high concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Similarly, elevated PFAS levels have recently been detected in eggs from hobby chickens in Sweden. PFAS are known for their persistence in the environment, potential for bioaccumulation, and presence in various food sources, including eggs.

Origins of PFAS in Eggs

PFAS contamination in eggs may arise from multiple sources. Over the past two years, elevated PFAS levels have been reported in organic eggs in Denmark and Sweden, attributed to the inclusion of fishmeal in poultry feed. Other incidents have been linked to industrial pollution, such as those in Antwerp (Belgium) and Dordrecht (Netherlands). In response to the unusual PFAS composition (notably high PFOS levels) found in Dordrecht, RIVM initiated a nationwide survey to assess PFAS concentrations in home-produced eggs from hobby chickens across 60 locations.

PFAS Concentrations in Dutch Eggs

The RIVM investigation revealed notably high concentrations of PFOS in the majority of samples, with levels reaching up to 17 µg/kg. Elevated levels of long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs; C9–C14) were also detected, reaching up to 4.5 µg/kg. The assessment utilized a Relative Potency Factor (RPF) approach, expressing results as PFOA-equivalents (PEQ) across 17 PFAS compounds. These were summed and compared with the European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) tolerable weekly intake (TWI) of 4.4 ng/kg body weight.

The PEQ results (<LOQ–100 ng PEQ/g egg) showed that consuming just one egg per week would exceed the TWI at 31 of the 60 locations, without accounting for other dietary sources. Consumption of four eggs per week suggested exceedance at 49 locations. Although current maximum levels (MLs) established by Regulation (EU) 2023/915 do not apply to non-commercial eggs, a comparison revealed that 35 locations would exceed these limits: PFOS (1.0 µg/kg), PFOA (0.3 µg/kg), PFNA (0.7 µg/kg), PFHxS (0.3 µg/kg), and a sum of PFAS4 (1.7 µg/kg). The causes of the high PFAS concentrations remain unclear; however, based on earlier findings from Dordrecht, earthworms are suspected as a potential source. A follow-up study investigating environmental exposure pathways is currently underway and is expected to be published in the second half of 2025.

PFAS in Swedish Home-Produced Eggs

In the final report (Feb 2025) of the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on PFAS in food and the environment, results from 20 hobby chicken flocks were presented. Sampling sites included a contaminated area (3), an industrial site (1), a metropolitan region (13), and rural areas (3). Concentrations of PFAS4 ranged from 0.056 to 15 µg/kg. The highest levels were found in the metropolitan region, where 10 of 13 samples exceeded the MLs. No exceedances were observed in samples from contaminated or rural sites.

A supporting report from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) indicated that PFOS was the predominant PFAS (0.06–13 µg/kg), consistent with findings from the Netherlands, and was responsible for most ML exceedances. Long-chain PFCAs (C9–C14) were also frequently detected, ranging from <0.02 to 5 µg/kg. Overall, PFAS concentration ranges were comparable between the two countries. Although no formal recommendations were issued in the Swedish EPA report, it was noted that if more than 5–10% of egg consumption consisted of eggs with the highest PFAS4 levels, the estimated median exposure would exceed the TWI for both children (ages 1.5 and 4) and adults. Water, feed and soil samples are going to be analysed in Sweden as well.

Eurofins PFAS Analysis Services

Eurofins offers accredited PFAS analysis in eggs, with testing packages ranging from PFAS4 to an extended screening package incl 49 substances. Further information is available on our homepage and in our leaflet on PFAS in eggs (see link). For optimal testing, 100g of mixed egg is recommended, with 10g as the minimum. Sample quantity may vary depending on the study’s purpose; please refer to our detailed information sheet (see link). Free 250 mL plastic containers can be ordered via our website. Alternatively, consumer packages can be submitted. For research and monitoring studies requiring sums calculated including LOQ, and ½LOQ, besides excluding LOQ, mirror packages PLWQH, PLW7X, and PLW7Z should be used instead of the ones in the table.

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Links

Eurofins PFAS info sheets
Eurofins PFAS homepage
RIVM (NL)
Swe-EPA (NV), final report (in Swedish)
SLU report (in Swedish)