Dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs in UK foods: EU monitoring 2006

maandag 2 juli 2007

Summary:
Dioxins and PCBs were analysed for the Agency in 156 retail samples of foods (mainly UK produced) bought at locations throughout the UK, mainly in 2006. This work was carried out in line with Recommendation 2004/705/EC on the monitoring of background levels of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs in foodstuffs. This is the third set of annual data generated in this way. The results will be submitted to the European Commission for inclusion in the next review of limits for dioxins and PCBs. No samples exceeded existing regulatory limits. There were no concerns for human health.

The main results are:

• none of the samples contained levels of dioxins alone or dioxins plus dioxin-like PCBs above current limits
• one sample of wild boar meat contained dioxins above the maximum limit applicable to pig meat, but would not put a consumer's health at risk
• dioxin and PCB levels are relatively high in gull eggs and mallard, but these are not widely consumed and have only a short season

Related links:
FSIS 04/07: Dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs in foods – EU monitoring 2006 Food Survey Information Sheet        (pdf 622KB

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