Are my eggs safe to eat?

[Katie Rossi]

Here's the scenario: .My husband sprays the weeds that grow in the gravel with Round Up. My chickens don't free ranch, but I move them to a different area during the day and they walk pass the sprayed area. Anyway, here's the question... They have recently, not sure how much really, probably pecked at those weeds, due to huge amounts of worms from all the rain. The other thing is they were sprayed about 2 weeks ago and it has rained about 5 inches since then. I am not sure if we can eat the eggs. Any input would be appreciated.

 

[JaeG]

I found this for you:
http://pmep.cce.cornell.edu/profiles/extoxnet/dienochlor-glyphosate/glyphosate-ext.html

Glyphosate is poorly absorbed from the digestive tract and is largely excreted unchanged by mammals. Ten days after treatment there were only minute amounts in the tissues of rats fed glyphosate for three weeks (3).

Cows, chickens, and pigs fed small amounts had undetectable levels (less than 0.05 ppm) in muscle tissue and fat. Levels in milk and eggs were also undetectable (less than 0.025 ppm). Nearly all glyphosate residues were rapidly eliminated by fish that had been exposed for 10 to 14 days once these fish were transferred to glyphosate-free water. Glyphosate has no significant potential to accumulate in animal tissue (9).

 

[solidsnake]

If the roundup was wet when consumed it can cause harm to the chickens, round up shouldn't be ingested by people or animals. I would say wait 2 weeks before eating their eggs just to be safe. Freshly sprayed round up can cause harm.

 

[ldrchickens]

I would think if it was enough there to affect the eggs it would have showed by affecting the chickens. You would probably of saw symptoms by sickness or even death of the birds. But I am no expert!

 

[ChocolateMouse]

I found this for you:
http://pmep.cce.cornell.edu/profiles/extoxnet/dienochlor-glyphosate/glyphosate-ext.html

Glyphosate is poorly absorbed from the digestive tract and is largely excreted unchanged by mammals. Ten days after treatment there were only minute amounts in the tissues of rats fed glyphosate for three weeks (3).

Cows, chickens, and pigs fed small amounts had undetectable levels (less than 0.05 ppm) in muscle tissue and fat. Levels in milk and eggs were also undetectable (less than 0.025 ppm). Nearly all glyphosate residues were rapidly eliminated by fish that had been exposed for 10 to 14 days once these fish were transferred to glyphosate-free water. Glyphosate has no significant potential to accumulate in animal tissue (9).

This is a great post with solid data and an actual source.
Additionally since it had already rained and was several days gone the much of it on the surface should have broken down already:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ga...ow-long-does-weed-killer-last-in-the-soil.htm
http://forestinfo.ca/faqs/how-long-...l-water-plants-and-sediments-after-treatment/

Also, the amount that you would get from a few tiny nibbles going through a bird into the eggs is going to be so low it would be far, FAR lower than the safe amount listed even in the UK (where it's much lower than in the US). Negligible really. You're more likely to die from mercury poisoning in a fish filet than to get sick from this.

I would not worry - you are perfectly fine to eat the eggs.

 

[Katie Rossi]

I found this for you:
http://pmep.cce.cornell.edu/profiles/extoxnet/dienochlor-glyphosate/glyphosate-ext.html

Glyphosate is poorly absorbed from the digestive tract and is largely excreted unchanged by mammals. Ten days after treatment there were only minute amounts in the tissues of rats fed glyphosate for three weeks (3).

Cows, chickens, and pigs fed small amounts had undetectable levels (less than 0.05 ppm) in muscle tissue and fat. Levels in milk and eggs were also undetectable (less than 0.025 ppm). Nearly all glyphosate residues were rapidly eliminated by fish that had been exposed for 10 to 14 days once these fish were transferred to glyphosate-free water. Glyphosate has no significant potential to accumulate in animal tissue (9).

I really appreciate this. I was worried and not to mention upset with my husband for not listening to me. Thanks for your time!!!