They are ubiquitous and persistent in the environment and tend to bioaccumulate in biological systems. Food of animal origin contributes to about 80 % of the overall human exposure.
Besides the acute toxicity of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs, chronic exposure has effects on the immunic, nervous, endocrine and reproductive system and tumore-promoting activity. The toxicity of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs is calculated as toxicity equivalent (TEQ), based on the toxi-city of 2,3,7,8-TCDD.

Strategy for reduction

Reduction of dioxins, furans and PCBs in the food chain is an important part of ensuring the health and safety of EU consumers. It is based on three pillars: Maximum levels are used for regulatory control, action levels serve as early warning tools and target levels should be achieved over time to bring human exposure below the tolerable weekly intake.

Maximum levels and analytical criteria

From November 2006, Commission Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 and Comission Directive 2006/13/EC set maximum for dioxins, and for the sum of dioxins and PCBs, in food and feed matrices. Analytical criteria for methods of sampling and analysis for the official control for food and feed are laid down in Commission Regulation (EC) No 1883/2006 and Commission Regulation (EC) No 152/2009.