Influence of hen breeding type on PCDD/F, PCB & PBDE levels in eggs

The aim of this study was to assess levels of PCDD/Fs, PCBs and PBDEs in free range eggs and in farm eggs available on the Polish retail market. Congener profiles that might be used to identify different sources of contamination have also been assessed. Generally higher mean values of PCDD/F, PCB and PBDEs found in free range eggs than in farm eggs reflect occurrence of highly contaminated samples. However, medians were similar in both groups; PCDD/F medians were even higher in farm eggs. High concentrations (accompanied by changed congener profile) indicate contamination sources other than environmental background. Congener profiles and absolute concentration values found in majority of the tested samples from both groups were typical for environmental background of the studied persistent organic pollutants. Due to their small market share free range eggs do not seem to pose any essential threat to human health.