PFAS

PFAS are chemicals that are difficult to break down in the environment and can accumulate in the body. They are linked to health risks such as hormonal disruptions, liver problems, and an increased risk of cancer.

After placing an order in our webshop, we will send you our special packaging for break-free transport of eggs (or packaging suitable for the product you selected). You place your eggs (or another product you selected) in the packaging, attach the provided shipping label, and drop it off at a nearby postal point. The submitted samples are tested upon receipt in the laboratory of our partner Normec Groen Agro Control in the Netherlands, after which you will receive the test results by email.

The turnaround time for the PFAS analysis is 10 working days.

The price for the PFAS test of your eggs is 199.00 euros. This amount includes return shipping and transaction fees.

Absolutely. We have expanded our range and now offer not only PFAS tests for eggs but also tests for soil analysis, vegetables, fruit, meat, and water. On our homepage, you will find an overview of all the tests we currently offer.

Absolutely. We recommend that you contact us through our contact form.

After your reservation, you will receive an interpretation document from us. This document provides insight on how to interpret the results. PFAS is a collective name for chemical substances, and the main substances (PFOS, PFOA, PFNA, PFHxS) are tested, with the total amount determining the PFAS level.

In total, your eggs will be tested for 23 types of PFAS. However, currently only the EU standard ((EU) 2022/2388) applies to PFOS, PFOA, PFNA, PFHxS, and the sum of these 4 types of PFAS. The test results will be compiled in a certificate of analysis, which you will receive by email once the laboratory test is completed. After your reservation, you will receive an interpretation document from us. This document provides insight into how to later read the certificate of analysis. This way, you can see if the test values of your eggs are acceptable for (unrestricted) safe consumption or if they are higher than the EU standard.

Despite the uncertainty, there are ongoing studies that provide insight into the spread of PFAS in our environment and the extent to which it occurs in our food. Therefore, it is expected that more clarity will be provided in the near future about the cause and origin of PFAS in the eggs.

Based on this new information, you can take proactive actions, such as remediating the soil where the chickens forage, keeping the chickens indoors, or switching to different feed. The decision to continue consuming the eggs in the meantime is up to you.

We collaborate with Normec Groen Agro: https://agrocontrol.nl. Normec is an accredited lab (you can read more information about how accreditation works here). You can read more about their certification here. You can also find some more information about this on our website: https://testenoppfas.be/nl/overons.

Place the eggs raw in the box you receive from us. You do not need to cook the eggs. Also, you do not need to break the eggshell. Place the whole egg in the box.

After your order, you will receive a transport box with cushioning interior. This ensures that the eggs are protected against shocks, bumps, and falls, and can be safely shipped.

From the laying date, an egg is good for testing for about 4 weeks. However, we ask you to send the freshest possible eggs, as shipping and testing also take time.

10 large eggs or 12 small eggs (the packaging always has space for 12 pieces)

After testing the eggs, they are sustainably destroyed.

Yes, definitely. We have broadened our offerings and now provide not only PFAS tests for eggs, but also tests for soil analysis, vegetables, fruit, meat, and water. On our homepage, you will find an overview of all the available tests at the moment.

In the test kit that we send you, we ask you to return 10 large or 12 small eggs. A certain amount of egg white (approximately 250 ml) is needed to perform the test. The eggs are broken and combined into a single substance, which is then tested. Therefore, it is not possible to get a result for each egg.

Our lab is located in the Netherlands and handles a large number of requests per day. To do this as efficiently as possible, the process is standardized. Therefore, we cannot deviate from the process.

PFAS is a collective term for chemical substances and the main substances (PFOS, PFOA, PFNA, PFHxS) are tested. The amount together determines the amount of PFAS. 

No, it doesn't matter. An egg that no longer smells fresh is not pleasant for our lab technicians to test.

You can dispose of the eggs from hobby chickens in the residual waste. This waste is incinerated at a temperature that breaks down the long chains of PFAS into shorter PFAS chains. To date, these shorter chains appear to have little or no impact on human health.

The RIVM recently warned that in many places in the Netherlands, the amount of PFAS in eggs from hobby chickens is too high. However, this does not automatically mean that all eggs are unsafe. From our more than 1,800 tests, it appears that in many locations, the PFAS limit is indeed exceeded, but there are also several places where the eggs do remain below the limit and are therefore safe to eat. This is why testing is so important: only with a reliable measurement can you be sure whether your eggs fall within the safe range. It would be a shame to throw away eggs if it's not necessary. By testing, you gain clarity and can confidently make an informed choice.

We ask you to send 10 eggs, because this sample size aligns with the sampling practices of Wageningen University & Research and the RIVM. PFAS concentrations in eggs can vary significantly due to:

• differences between chickens,

• daily fluctuations,

• age differences,

• and variation in diet and living environment.

With 10 eggs, we compensate for this natural variation and limit measuring uncertainty. This way you get a reliable average instead of a snapshot that can be distorted by outliers.

Some providers test only one egg for a lower price. However, this is a less reliable method. In this case, cheap becomes expensive: a sample that is too small can lead to misleading results.

Our method is developed by Normec Groen Agro Control and is also performed by them in an ISO 17025-accredited laboratory. This procedure guarantees that your test report is representative and meets the highest standards for food safety.

In summary:

• 10 eggs for a representative average

• Alignment with RIVM/WUR sampling practices

• Developed and executed by Normec Groen Agro Control (ISO 17025)

• Cheap = expensive with one-egg tests

With this approach, you are assured of a reliable, scientifically responsible PFAS result.

That depends on the test.

For animal products, such as meat and eggs, a standard has been established. You can compare the PFAS value in your sample with the standard. You can find the standard in our interpretation document. With your analysis, you will receive an interpretation document, also known as an analysis certificate. This document explains how to interpret the results.

For non-animal products, such as soil, feed, and water, there is no standard.

With the results, you can determine if there is PFAS in your sample. For fruit and vegetables (AGF), the EU has not set a standard, but there are detection limits. If your result is below the detection limits, there is no (or hardly any) PFAS in your fruit and vegetables.

A test can determine whether you have been exposed to high levels of PFAS, which can help assess health risks.

A blood sample is taken via a special patch that is sent to your home. You send the sample back to the lab, where it is analyzed for PFAS. You will then be informed digitally about the PFAS level in your blood.

Our testing methods are accurate and are conducted by an accredited laboratory (World Health Laboratories in Bunnik).

Your blood is tested for PFOS and PFOA. Here you can see an example of a result:

The results show the amount of PFAS in your blood compared to the reference values. This way, you can easily determine if your PFAS levels are too high or within normal limits.

The results are usually available within 1-2 weeks after receiving your sample.

Prolonged exposure can lead to health issues such as liver diseases and increased cholesterol.

Consult a general practitioner to discuss what the results mean for your health and what possible next steps there are.

This depends on your insurance. Check with your insurer to see if the test is covered.

Avoid products with PFAS and minimize your exposure to contaminated areas.

World Health Laboratories tests your blood for PFAS. After the analysis, your blood will be destroyed according to the applicable laboratory standards. The results are accessible only through a secure system, similar to that of a general practitioner. Testenoppfas.nl does not have access to your PFAS results.

The results will remain accessible to you. If you wish to delete the data, you can contact the lab.

The blood samples are kept for 1 week after which they are destroyed in accordance with government regulations.