While the Netherlands advise against consuming eggs of high locally, Belgium monitors the situation without issuing firm recommendations.
In the Netherlands, a warning has been issued concerning the consumption of eggs in high hens outdoors, due to their contamination to the PFAS, perfluorized compounds with potentially harmful effects on human health. These chemicals, used in many industrial and household products, can accumulate in soils, thus contaminating animal foods.
In Belgium, the health authorities have currently made no specific recommendation to limit the consumption of eggs from private chicken coops or domestic farms. However, studies are underway in the areas deemed most at risk to better understand the extent of contamination and its potential implications.
Practical advice to follow
To minimize the risk of contamination, practical advice is offered. A simple method is to distribute the seeds in the chicken coops on hard surfaces, thus avoiding that the hens bite in possibly contaminated soils. Pol Gosselin, responsible for the permanent-health-health unit in the Wallonia Public Service, recommends circulating them on lawn rather than bare land.
Store eggs to favor
A privileged alternative remains to consume eggs sold in stores. These are subject to regular checks by the Federal Food Chain Safety Agency (AFSCA), guaranteeing greater food security. “”We especially encourage people to diversify their diet“continues Pol Gosselin. This precaution makes it possible to avoid prolonged exposure to a contaminated environment, thus reducing the risks.
In addition, if an egg is contaminated by PFAS, it is mainly in yellow that these substances are concentrated. This is explained by the less protein composition of yellow compared to white. This information can be crucial for consumers anxious to limit their exhibition.
PFAS eggs Contamination Netherlands Belgium
