F01005: Investigation into the levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dioxins in feed material.
Monday 14 February 2005
This research project was commissioned to collect and provide data on levels of dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in 80 samples of feed materials from companies located in the United Kingdom.
Background
Council Directive 2001/102/EC, amending Directive 1999/29/EC, on undesirable substances and products in animal nutrition established maximum limits for dioxins in feed materials. The Directive also stated that the maximum permitted levels (MPLs) would be reviewed in the light of further data on the presence of dioxins and furans in animal feed.
Research Approach
At the outset of this study, the range and number of feed materials was specified and agreed. During a period of 2 months, 80 samples weighing 1 kilogram were obtained from UK feed companies. The feeds represented a range of raw materials typically used in the manufacture of compound feeds or fed as single feed materials to farm livestock in the UK.
The feed materials were collected from feed stores on farms, regional and national compounders in a range of sites across England and Wales. Samples were given a unique reference number and stored in sealed containers at approximately 4°C. All feeds were analysed for dry matter and oil. All subsequent analyses were performed on the dry material, although it should be noted that the MPLs for dioxins refer to material corrected for 12% moisture content.
Additional Information
Related projects
See F01008/9 below
Results and findings
The results of analyses for oven dry matter and oil contents were in line with normal values for these feeds. All 80 feed samples were analysed for PCBs and the highest concentrations were reported in samples of fishmeal. For 31 of the 69 vegetable feeds, concentrations of all the PCBs were below the level of detection. In none of the samples analysed for dioxins and furans, and for which satisfactory analytical recovery rates were obtained (greater than 50%) did the World Health Oroganisation (WHO) toxic equivalent (TEQ) concentrations exceed maximum permitted levels (MPLs) established in Directive 2001/102/EC. Food Standards Agency officials are of the view that the levels of dioxins found would be unlikely to lead to foods derived from animals receiving these feeds exceeding their MPLs.
Dissemination information
Final report is available from the FSA Library and Information centre. To obtain a copy, please contact the Enquiry Desk,
Dr Elsie Widdowson Library and Information Services, Food Standards Agency, (tel: 020 7276 8181/8182 or email: library&info@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk).
Contact: For any enquiries concerning this research project, please contact the relevant Programme contact or email science@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk