Dioxin & PCB in chicken eggs through contaminated soil

Polluted soil Cause of dioxin and PCB in chicken eggs

06/11/2012

The dioxin and PCB pollution in hen's eggs from a farm in Velen (Borken district) was apparently due to contamination of the soil. The soil samples taken by the State Office for Nature, Environment and Consumer Protection NRW (LANUV) from the area of ​​the outdoor area show increased PCB and dioxin values, according to today's notification from the district.

In mid-May, self-inspections of the Velen plant had revealed increased dioxin and PCB levels in the eggs. Two stables on the premises were closed and a recall was started for the already delivered eggs because of the toxins they contained. Since then, the search has been looking into the causes of the contamination. The LANUV has now informed that the sampled soil „were significantly burdened“ - in particular the samples from the covered outlet area immediately next to the stable building.

Cause of PCB and dioxin contamination of the soil a mystery
Based on conventional free-range farming, eggs are produced in the Velener plant. So it was suspected that the chickens came into contact with the toxins while pawing outdoors ... The investigation of the soil samples has now confirmed this suspicion. Although this identifies the source of pollution, the cause of soil contamination remains a mystery. The current press release of the district Borkenzufolge, now further investigations of the premises are to be arranged, „to determine the cause and extent of pollution.“ The work „District veterinarians and the experts of the district protection department of the district administration hand in hand“, reported the district Borken. Among other things, evidence is followed, according to which the impurities were caused in the Second World War by military facilities. However, the contaminated land register does not contain any contaminated areas in the area of ​​the company. Also, there had been no evidence of pollutants until 18 May in the area of ​​the affected company, the official announcement of the district.

Increased pollutant concentration may have been present for years
The results of the now-arranged investigations into the causes of PCB or dioxin contamination in the soil of the farm determine what further measures must be taken to avoid the pollution of the eggs in the future, the district explains in its press release. The two stables with a total of 8,200 laying hens remain blocked for the time being, the animals and eggs may not leave the yard. The way in which such contamination with the environmental toxins PCB and dioxin could occur is still a mystery, especially since the burden seems to have occurred very suddenly. However, it is also possible that the pollutants have already been present in this area for many years in increased concentrations in the soil and the contamination of the eggs has hitherto not been noticed. The result of the upcoming investigations should therefore be eagerly awaited. (Fp)

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Picture: Gerd Altmann, Pixelio