Perfluoroalkyl contaminants in eggs from backyard chickens reared in Italy

Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are persistent bioaccumulative compounds with adverse impacts on the environment human health. Diet is one of main sources exposure to PFASs. Recently, EFSA established a tolerable weekly intake (TWI) limit (4.4 ng/kg b.w.) for mixture four major Eggs egg products can contribute this intake, their contamination possibly dependent husbandry system. Monitoring Italian eggs from backyard chickens revealed relatively uniform PFAS contamination, perfluoro-1-octanesulfonate being most abundant. Contamination was detected be significantly higher in than commercial laying hens, consistent previous study. According recently set TWI value, consumption could dietary PFASs (up 29% children, considering lower bound approach).