The elements Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Mo, Cd, Sb, Tl, Pb and Hg and selected persistent organochlorinated compounds (dioxins, marker and dioxin-like PCBs, DDT and metabolites as well as other chlorinated pesticides) were analysed in Belgian free-range eggs obtained from hens of private owners (PO) and of commercial farms (CF). It was found that PO eggs were more contaminated than CF eggs. The ratios of levels in PO eggs to levels in CF eggs range from 2 to 8 for the toxic contaminants Pb, Hg, Tl, dioxins, PCBs and the group of DDT. The DDT contamination was marked by substantial presence of p,p'-DDT in PO eggs in addition to p,p-DDE and p,p'-DDD. It is postulated that environmental pollution is at the origin of the higher contamination of PO eggs. Extensive consumption of PO eggs is likely to result in TEQ intake levels exceeding the tolerable weekly intake. Key words: free-range hens, eggs, pesticides, heavy metals, CALUX, dioxins, POPs, PCBs, environmental contamination, food safety, home-produced food