The Food Standards Agency of the UK have been advised that pig and poultry feed in Germany has been found to contain dioxins above the European legal limits.
The potential source is from a vegetable fat, which has been used in Germany for animal feeds within poultry and pig farms. The resulting hen eggs have dioxins present, above the legal limit, and have been distributed in both Germany and Holland.
The German authorities are continuing their investigations and have imposed restrictions on a number of pig and poultry farms.
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 egg and fat 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 demonstrated by testing samples or an egg / fat based foodstuff 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 egg / fats based products.
We provided extensive support to the food industry during the Belgian food crisis of 1999 and Irelands feed crisis of 2008. SAL's previous work in developing methods for the analysis of Dioxins in foods and feeds matrices enable us to provide accurate measurements of the levels of dioxins and furans.
This proven track record demonstrates that we can confidently offer rapid dioxin analysis of animal feed, egg, fat and associated produce to certify that they are fit for use or sale.
These services are especially pertinent to the current problem facing the foodstuffs 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