Dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs are toxic chemicals that persist in the environment for years and accumulate at low levels in the food chain, usually in the fatty tissues of animals. Their presence in food and feed has declined in the last 30 years thanks to the efforts of public authorities and industry.
Regulatory Information
EU Legislation
Contaminants Framework Regulation: Regulation No. 315/93/EEC, as amended
Contaminants Legislation setting MLs: Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006, as amended
Action Levels (including monitoring recommendation): Commission Recommendation of 3 December 2013 on the reduction of the presence of dioxins, furans and PCBs in feed and food, as amended
Available EU guidance documents:
- Guidance on sampling of whole fishes of different size and/or weight
- Guidelines for the enforcement of provisions on dioxins in the event non-compliance with the maximum levels for dioxins in food.
- Information on analysis of dioxins in food and feed can be found on the website of the EU Reference laboratory for dioxins and PCBs in feed and food.
Sampling & Analysis Regulation: Regulation (EC) No. 333/2007, as amended
Increased Control Measures: For potentially applicable emergency measures and temporary increased controls, please see the section on Imports.
National Legislation
S.I. No. 218 of 2010 as amended (S.I. No. 276 of 2012, S.I. No. 348 of 2012, S.I. No. 380 of 2013, S.I. No. 143 of 2014, S.I. No. 329 of 2016, S.I. No. 377 of 2017)