The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration has discovered elevated levels of PFAS in eggs from hobby chicken farms, prompting concern among officials and recommendations for consumers. Eight out of twenty tested egg samples from backyard chicken farms contained PFAS substances exceeding the permitted limit.

The agency is investigating the source of the contamination, as initial tests ruled out supplementary feed as the cause. Researchers at Aarhus University are now exploring alternative sources, including the possibility of PFAS being present in green plants and soil-dwelling organisms consumed by free-range chickens.

Unit Manager Henrik Dammand Nielsen advises those who consume eggs regularly from their own hobby flocks to take precautions. He recommends diversifying egg consumption by supplementing with store-bought eggs to reduce the risk of exposure to PFAS.

This is not the first instance of PFAS being found in eggs. In 2023, elevated levels were detected in organic eggs, which was traced back to fish meal in the chicken feed. Reducing the PFAS content in fish meal subsequently lowered the levels in organic eggs.

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of harmful chemicals that have been in use since the 1950s. These substances can accumulate in the body and are linked to potential health risks, including cancer and hormonal disorders.