Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCBs) in some foods of animal origin in some countries of the world: a review

This review focuses on the literature from different countries on polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCBs) in foods of animal origin (meat, eggs, milk, fish and other seafood). Different concentrations were reported depending on the provenance areas, animal species and even within the same animal species. Variations were observed depending on the type of farming for poultry meat, eggs and in milk. Some foods were reported to be contaminated at very high concentrations, up to 92.3 pg WHO-TEQ g-1 fat in poultry meat, 249.1 pg WHO-TEQ g-1 fat in hen eggs, 11.4 pg WHO-TEQ g-1 fat in sheep milk, 8.2 pg WHO-TEQ g-1 fat in cow milk and 9.5 pg WHO-TEQ g-1 wet weight in salmon fish, exceeding the maximum limits set by the European Union (EU) for PCDD/Fs + DL-PCBs. Bovine and sheep meat was always compliant and below the EU permissible limits. Monitoring of dioxins in food is extremely important to ensure food safety and protect consumer and animal health. Official controls help to identify sources of contamination and take preventive measures to reduce exposure and should include monitoring the quality of animal feed and managing industrial emissions.