Feed as a source of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)

Area of Science:

• Environmental Chemistry
• Food Safety
• Toxicology

Background:

• Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are persistent organic pollutants found in various environmental matrices.
• Human exposure to PBDEs often occurs through the consumption of contaminated food, particularly food of animal origin.
• Feed quality is a critical factor influencing the safety of animal-derived food products.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the contamination levels of ten PBDE congeners in various feed and feed materials.
• To identify which feed categories are most affected by PBDE contamination.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of current legislation in reducing PBDE levels in animal feed.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 207 feed samples across eight categories using gas chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (GC-HRMS).
• Quantification of ten specific PBDE congeners (BDE-28, 47, 49, 99, 100, 138, 153, 154, 183, and 209).
• Time-trend analysis of PBDE concentrations in fishmeal samples from 2017 to 2021.

Main Results:

• PBDEs were detected in 73% of all feed samples analyzed.
• Fish oil, animal fat, and feed for fish showed universal contamination, while 80% of plant-origin feeds were PBDE-free.
• Fish oils had the highest median PBDE concentration (2260 ng/kg), followed by fishmeal (530 ng/kg). BDE-209 was the most frequently detected congener (56%).
• A significant decrease in total PBDEs was observed in fishmeal between 2017 and 2021 (63% reduction in ∑10PBDE, p=0.077; 50% reduction in ∑9PBDE, p=0.008).

Conclusions:

• Animal feed, particularly fish oil and fishmeal, can be a significant source of PBDE contamination.
• The observed decrease in PBDE levels in fishmeal suggests that international regulations aimed at reducing these pollutants are effective.
• Continued monitoring of PBDEs in animal feed is crucial for ensuring the safety of the food chain.