The UK Food Standards Agency has advised that pork and products containing pork which originated in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland should not be eaten.
Contamination from dioxins and the related furan and polychlorinatedbiphenyls (PCBs) are regulated by European Commision Regulation EC 1881/2006. Food which contains dioxin and related PCBs above the maximum permitted levels are to be regarded as unfit for human consumption.
Contamination found in meat products is largely attributable to that contained in the feedingstuff. Such contamination accumulates in the fat of the animal. Accordingly, regulations European Commission Directive 2006/13/EC are in place which limit the amount of dioxin and PCB which may be present in feeding stuff for animals reared for human consumption.
Compliance with this regulation can be acheived by testing a representative feeding stuff sample for both dioxin, furan and PCBs.
Specialist high resolution gas chromatography - mass spectrometry and highly trained analysts are required for this exacting analysis.
SAL provides a UKAS accredited dioxin analysis service. Our laboratory has extensive experience in the determination of the numerous Chlorinated Dibenzo-Dioxins (Dioxins) related Chlorinated Dibenzo-Furans (Furans) and PolyChlorinatedBiphenyl (PCB) in foodstuffs and feedstocks. Our expertise includes the Analysis of Dioxins especially in meat matrices such as pork.
We provided extensive support to the food industry during the Belgian food crisis of 1999. SAL's previous work in developing methods for the analysis of Dioxins in food matrices enabled us to provide accurate measurements of the levels of dioxins and furans frequently within 24 hours of receipt of samples.
This proven track record demonstrates that we can confidently offer rapid dioxin analysis of animal feed, pork and associated meat produce to certify that they are fit for use or sale.
These services are especially pertinent to the current problem facing the Irish pork industry.
For further advice, information or a quotation call +44 (0)161 874 2400 and ask to speak to David Elo, Bill Cohen or Pam Knott for a confidential discussion.
Alternatively, call us directly on the following numbers