Information on Dioxins
What are dioxins?
Dioxins are persistent chemical contaminants in the environment. Although there are natural sources of dioxins such as forest fires, dioxins are usually formed as by-products of certain industrial combustion and chemical processes.
What are ‘persistent’ chemicals?
Persistent chemicals are highly resistant to breakdown processes, and therefore persist in the environment, followed by uptake into the food chain.
Can dioxins cause cancer?
There is evidence to suggest that exposure to dioxins at very high levels (following industrial accidents) has been associated with an increase in the incidence of cancer in humans. These levels are way above those found in the contaminated pigmeat.
Are there maximum levels set for dioxins in food?
Maximum levels (MLs) for dioxins are set by Commission Regulation No 1881/2006, the framework EU legislation which sets maximum levels for chemical contaminants in foodstuffs. MLs are set at a very low level (as low as reasonably achievable for the particular foodstuff in question), in order to ensure that consumers’ health is not affected by consuming these products.
Are there maximum levels set for dioxins in feed?
Yes. Separate legislation applies to levels of dioxins and PCBs in animal feeds, since this is another important source of contamination of the human food chain.
What levels were found in the pigmeat?
The samples tested indicated a wide range of dioxin levels, all above the maximum levels set by legislation.
How does food become contaminated with dioxins?
Dioxin contamination of food can occur from two sources. The main source is feed that contains contaminated ingredients. The second source is contamination that comes from the environment where animals may be kept.
How has Irish pork and bacon become contaminated with dioxins?
Animal feed, from one source, which recently tested positive for dioxins, was distributed to a number of pig farms and fed to the pigs.
Last reviewed: 3/4/2009