[en] This overview paper describes a study conducted for the Belgian Federal Public Service of Health,
Food Chain Safety and Environment during 2006–2007. Home-produced eggs from Belgian private
owners of hens were included in a large study aiming to determine concentration levels of
various environmental contaminants. Bymeans of the analyses of soil samples and of kitchen
waste samples, obtained from the same locations, an investigation towards the possible
sources of contaminants was possible. Eggs, soils, faeces and kitchen waste samples were
checked for the presence of dioxins, PCBs (including dioxin-like PCBs), organochlorine
pesticides, trace elements, PAHs, brominated flame retardants and mycotoxins. The study
design, sampling methodology and primary conclusions of the study are given. It was found
that in some cases dioxin-like compounds were present at levels that are of concern for the
health of the egg consumers. Therefore, measures to limit their contamination in eggs,
produced by hens of private owners, were proposed and deserve further attentio
Disciplines :
Food science
Author, co-author :
Van Overmeire, Ilse
Pussemier, Luc
Wageneers, Nadia
Hanot, Vincent
Windal, Isabelle
Boxus, Lucille
Covaci, Adrian
Eppe, Gauthier ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Centre interfac. d'analyse des résidus en traces (CART)
Scippo, Marie-Louise ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département de sciences des denrées alimentaires > Analyse des denrées alimentaires
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