EFSA has published its analysis of food data collected following the widespread detection of fipronil in eggs in summer 2017.
Member States submitted to EFSA the results of more than 5,000 samples of eggs and chicken collected between 1 September and 30 November 2017. They were analysed for fipronil and other active substances specified by the European Commission.
The results showed that 742 samples contained residues in quantities exceeding legal limits, almost all related to fipronil.
The majority of exceedances were found in suspect samples – those derived from products or producers where illegal use was known or assumed. They originated from eight Member States – the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Poland, Hungary, France, Slovenia and Greece.
The food products affected were mainly unprocessed chicken eggs and fat of laying hens. Some exceedances were reported for muscle of laying hens and egg powder.