Toxicity of hexachlorobenzene and associated residues in edible animal tissues

The USDA has detected hexachlorobenzene (HCB) in the body fat of domestic animals and poultry in at least 14 states. In Louisiana, industrial contamination appeared to be largely responsible for the HCB residues detected in cattle. Following the episode in Louisiana, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established an interim tolerance of 0.5 ppm for HCB in the fat of cattle, sheep, goats, and horses. Edible meat products containing HCB at higher concentrations are violative and cannot be used as a source of food for human consumption.