The so-called “forever chemicals” PFAS—also known as “perfluorinated chemicals”—never break down, accumulating in the environment and ultimately entering the food chain. A new scientific study reports alarming findings for Greek eggs, revealing high PFAS concentrations along with traces of pesticides and pharmaceuticals.

Experts have been sounding the alarm for years: PFAS have been linked to cancer, liver and immune system damage, as well as developmental problems in children. Studies in France, Germany, and Denmark had shown widespread egg contamination. The question was whether a similar situation exists in Greece.

[See the study here]

The Research in Greece
The answer came from scientists at the University of the Aegean and EKPA. The study, published in the journal Science of The Total Environment, analyzed 75 eggs from farms in Serres, Magnesia, Boeotia, Attica, and Ilia.

The results were particularly concerning: PFAS were detected in all samples, and more than half of the eggs exceeded the EU’s permissible limits. In Ilia, every sample surpassed EFSA guidelines for all age groups.

Average levels of PFOS, PFHxS, and PFBA were recorded at very high concentrations, with some measurements reaching up to 5.30 μg/kg. According to the researchers, adolescents and the elderly in Greece exceed the safe weekly intake limit, raising serious health concerns for consumers.

Pharmaceuticals and Pesticides in Eggs
The study also recorded, for the first time in Greek eggs, residues of pharmaceuticals and six different pesticides. Among these, the insect repellent DEET was found in all samples, while oxolinic acid was the most frequently detected pharmaceutical.

Although heavy metals were found at low levels, scientists are clear: the presence of PFAS in Greek eggs constitutes a public health threat. They emphasize that further research is needed to identify the sources of contamination and implement protective measures.