Seven Dutch poultry companies closed over toxic substance

The Dutch food and consumer product safety authority NVWA halted production at seven companies in the poultry sector after they were found to use poisonous insecticide fipronil in the chicken barns. The authority also recalled eggs from four of the companies, the NVWA said on Saturday.

How many eggs are involved and whether they were distributed to supermarkets or restaurants, are unclear. NVWA spokesperson Lex Bender told the Gelderlander that there is no immediate danger to public health. "If you eat an egg like those we found, you will not become sick. But the substance does not belong in eggs, therefore we recalled them."

Fipronil is harmful to both humans and animals. In humans the substance can cause damage to the kidney, liver and thyroid gland.