Phthalates in Animal Husbandry—A Narrative Review

Phthalates (PAEs) are a group of organic compounds widely used across various industries. Their extensive application has led to significant environmental pollution; consequently, they are now ubiquitously found in surface water, groundwater, soil, the atmosphere, and plants. Classified as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), PAEs can enter human and animal organisms via the digestive tract, respiratory system, and skin, exerting multidirectional harmful effects. An important yet relatively poorly understood issue is the exposure of livestock to these substances. These compounds—primarily di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)—can adversely affect various organs of farm animals and transfer into products of animal origin. Although previous studies have demonstrated the presence of PAEs in different tissues of farm animals and raw animal products, current knowledge on this matter remains highly limited. Therefore, further comprehensive research is urgently required to precisely clarify all aspects of livestock exposure to PAEs and to assess the potential consumer hazards associated with their presence in raw, animal-derived products. However, there is no review evaluating the overall impact of PAEs on livestock. This article aims to fill this gap in the literature by providing an overview of current knowledge regarding the sources and levels of exposure across various livestock species, the impact of PAEs on animal health, and the concentration of these compounds in raw products of animal origin. Ultimately, this review may contribute to the advancement of knowledge in this field by facilitating the strategic planning of future research on this critical topic.