Incidents with dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs in the food chain

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Dioxins and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have been involved in a number of incidents in the feed and food chain. Some of the incidents were discovered as follow-up of adverse effects in animals, others by increased monitoring. Important sources are chlorinated chemicals like PCB mixtures, used in transformers, heat-exchange equipment and paints/sealants, but also chlorinated phenols widely applied as herbicides and fungicides. Burning of plastic waste, both large- and small-scale, can contaminate the surrounding area, affecting the levels in foraging animals. Recycled minerals were also involved in some incidents, and dioxins have been detected in certain clay materials used in feed and food production, due to natural formation. The various incidents resulted in measures, including the setting of limits that led to a strong reduction of the levels in feed and food, but also in humans. This chapter will review the major incidents and their impacts.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationChemical hazards in foods of animal origin
EditorsF.J.M. Smulders, I.M.C.M. Rietjens, M. Rose
PublisherWageningen Academic Publishers
Pages503-528
ISBN (Electronic)9789086868773
ISBN (Print)9789086863266
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 30 Nov 2019

Publication series

NameChemical hazards in foods of animal origin
Publisher10.3920/227-1871-9295
Volume7
ISSN (Print)1871-9295

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