People living within one kilometer of an industrial site in Thornton, Lancashire, have been advised not to eat home-grown eggs or egg-laying poultry after tests detected elevated levels of chemicals.
This precautionary advisory applies specifically to poultry raised within 1 km of the Hill House Technology Enterprise Zone and does not pertain to commercially produced eggs or poultry that enter the broader food supply.
This warning follows an ongoing investigation into historic contamination associated with part of the former ICI site, currently operated by AGC Chemicals Europe Ltd.
This study examines the presence of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). This substance belongs to a broader group of chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that have historically been used in industrial processes.
PFOA was used in the field from the 1950s until 2012, during which time it was released into the atmosphere.
Scientists sampled eggs from a small number of poultry farmers within 1 km of the site to assess whether PFAS were present.
The tests confirmed that levels of PFAS, primarily PFOA and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), in eggs were elevated above the acceptable weekly intake threshold set by the European Food Safety Authority.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) conducted a risk assessment with input from the Animal and Plant Health Agency.
The FSA said eating one affected egg a week could reach or exceed the European Food Safety Authority’s safe weekly intake limit, especially when taking into account PFAS exposure from other foods.
As a result, authorities have advised people living within one kilometer of the Hill House grounds not to consume homemade eggs.
It also said that birds raised for egg-laying purposes in the area should not enter the food chain.
This advice has been issued on a precautionary basis and will be reviewed as further evidence becomes available.
A spokesperson for the multi-agency group leading the investigation, co-ordinated by the Wire Council and carried out by the Environment Agency, said: “The risk assessment concluded that certain PFAS, particularly PFOA, were present in the eggs collected at levels likely to increase the risk of harm to human health.”
They said households within the affected areas have been contacted directly and work with the FSA is ongoing.
“We understand this news may cause concern in the local community, but we would like to reassure people that this advisory has been issued as a precautionary measure to protect public health,” the spokesperson added.
Community drop-in events are planned in the local area in early March, allowing residents and poultry farmers to speak directly to experts involved in the study. More details will be confirmed soon.
