RIVM continues to advise against consuming private eggs from the Zuid-Holland Zuid region and the municipality of Altena. These eggs have been found to contain high levels of PFAS, as revealed by the risk assessment conducted by RIVM at 31 locations in the area. RIVM will soon commence a nationwide investigation into the sources of PFAS in private eggs from other parts of the Netherlands.
Private eggs are those produced by chickens kept as a hobby, such as in back gardens, allotments, petting farms, and care farms. RIVM has calculated, for 31 locations, the number of private eggs people can safely consume weekly without exceeding the health-based threshold for PFAS. This threshold indicates the maximum amount of PFAS that can be ingested without health repercussions.
Based on these calculations, RIVM upholds its advice to avoid eating private eggs in the Zuid-Holland Zuid region. Eggs purchased from markets and shops contain significantly lower levels of PFAS and are safe to eat.
How Much PFAS Enters the Body Through These Eggs?
Consumption of these private eggs significantly contributes to PFAS intake. At 22 locations, eating just one egg per week results in PFAS intake exceeding the health-based threshold. At 8 locations, this threshold is exceeded by consuming up to 4 eggs per week. At one location, the threshold is surpassed by eating 15 eggs per week.
What Are the Health Implications?
The risk assessment compares the estimated PFAS intake from consuming private eggs to the health-based threshold. If PFAS intake remains below this threshold, no health effects are expected. However, exceeding this threshold increases the likelihood of health issues. The more PFAS consumed and the longer this exposure lasts, the greater the risk of illness. Therefore, it is advisable to stay below this threshold.
Nationwide Investigation by RIVM
The reason why these private eggs contain high levels of PFAS remains unclear. Municipalities in Zuid-Holland Zuid are investigating this issue. Private eggs outside this region may also contain high levels of PFAS. RIVM considers it important to understand how PFAS ends up in these eggs so that measures can be taken. Consequently, RIVM will conduct a nationwide investigation into the sources of PFAS in private eggs, with results expected by mid-2025.
More Information
- Health risks of PFAS (in Dutch)
- Health information for the Zuid-Holland Zuid region (in Dutch)
- News from the municipalities of Zuid-Holland Zuid (in Dutch)
- Nutrition Centre (in Dutch)
Questions About PFAS and Health
If you have questions about PFAS and health, please contact GGD Zuid-Holland Zuid at mmk@ggdzhz.nl or 078 - 770 8500. If you have health concerns or symptoms, please consult your GP.