An urgent public health warning has been issued to residents living near a former industrial site in Lancashire, advising them not to consume eggs produced by domestic poultry. This follows the alarming discovery of elevated levels of a potentially cancer-causing chemical in eggs tested within a one-kilometre radius of the location.
Contamination Linked to Historic Chemical Plant
The warning is connected to an ongoing investigation into historic contamination at the former ICI Hillhouse site in Thornton, near Blackpool. This facility, which operated for decades as a chlorine production plant, is believed to be the source of the pollution. The contamination stems from historic emissions of Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA), a type of PFAS often referred to as a "forever chemical" due to its persistence in the environment.
Scientific Findings and Health Risks
Scientists conducting tests on eggs laid by domestic chickens within the designated zone found concentrations of PFOA that exceeded recommended weekly intake levels. According to the Food Standards Agency (FSA), consuming just one of these affected eggs per week could surpass safe exposure limits. PFOA is classified as a carcinogenic substance, meaning long-term exposure could increase the risk of developing cancer.
The FSA's current advice, relayed by Wyre Council, is clear: anyone residing within one kilometre of the Hillhouse site should avoid eating home-produced eggs entirely. Furthermore, birds kept for laying eggs in this area should not be allowed to enter the food chain. This precautionary measure is designed to protect public health while investigations continue.
Community Response and Ongoing Investigation
A spokesperson involved in the multi-agency investigation stated: "The risk assessment undertaken by the Food Standards Agency has concluded that certain PFAS — notably PFOA — are present in the eggs sampled at a level that could increase the risk of harm to human health." The spokesperson acknowledged that this news is likely to cause concern within the community but emphasized that the advice is issued on a precautionary basis to safeguard residents.
Authorities have been in direct contact with poultry keepers in the affected area and plan to write to all households within the one-kilometre radius to disseminate the FSA's guidance. The advice may be updated as additional research findings or new data become available. This latest alert builds upon earlier precautionary guidance issued in 2025, when residents were advised against consuming locally grown fruit and vegetables due to potential soil contamination risks from the same site.
Support for Affected Residents
To address community concerns and provide direct access to experts, a series of community drop-in events are scheduled to take place in the area in early March. These sessions will offer residents the opportunity to speak with representatives from the various agencies involved in the investigation, including the Food Standards Agency and local council officials.
The situation underscores the long-term environmental and public health challenges posed by historic industrial pollution, particularly from persistent chemicals like PFAS. Residents are urged to follow the official advice and avoid consuming any home-produced eggs from the affected zone until further notice.
