Non-dioxin-like PCBs are undesirable in food and feed
| Main Author: | German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) |
|---|---|
| Format: | info publication-other eJournal |
| Bahasa: | eng |
| Terbitan: |
, 2018
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: |
https://zenodo.org/record/3583167 |
Daftar Isi:
- Feed containing increased levels of non-dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (ndl-PCB) was supplied to farms from North Rhine Westphalia. Humans can be exposed to ndl-PCBs via the food chain through animal feed. The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) received data from three federal states on ndl-PCBs in samples of eggs, turkey and chicken in concentrations higher than the regularized maximum levels. Foods exceeding the legally binding maximum level must not be placed on the market. Maximum levels are not primarily based on toxicological assessments. With regard to ndl-PCBs, maximum levels are oriented on occurrence data in food and the sensitivity of the analytical methods. The currently reported ndl-PCB mean levels are significantly higher than the levels usually measured as background concentrations in food in Germany. Ndl-PCBs are undesirable substances that are considered so-called environmental contaminants. They accumulate predominantly in fat-containing foods. Consumers ingest low levels of ndl-PCBs via food every day (background concentration). The BfR has calculated that a theoretical increase in the intake of ndl-PCBs from 13% to 44% would result from the current ndl-PCB situation. This calculation is based on the theoretical worst case assumption that consumers consume eggs, turkey and chicken exclusively from farms involved in the current situation. Initial preliminary results of the BfR MEAL study do not show an increase in the background concentration. A short-term exceedance of maximum levels in foods does not necessarily mean that the consumption of these foods represents a health risk. According to BfR, the occurrence of acute adverse health effects for consumers is unlikely in the current situation because PCB mixtures only have a low potential for acute toxicity. A health-based guidance value for toxicologically relevant long-term intake has not yet been derived for ndl-PCBs from the data available in international studies. Therefore, a risk assessment is not possible. For reasons of consumer health protection, the ndl-PCB levels in foods should be kept as low as possible. Link: https://www.bfr.bund.de/cm/349/non-dioxin-like-pcbs-are-undesirable-in-food-and-feed.pdf
- DE; PDF; efsa-focal-point@bfr.bund.de