Detection and occurrence of pentachlorophenol residues in chicken liver and fat

A method for the detection of pentachlorophenol (PCP) residues in chicken liver and fat is presented. A detection limit of 0.002 mg/kg was achieved. Recoveries from liver and fat were in the range 82-88% and 95-97%, respectively. Low level residues of PCP were found in all 1072 liver and 723 fat samples. These levels were less than 0.010 mg/kg in 92.7% of the fat and 75.6% of the livers. Only 0.75% of the liver samples had PCP levels greater than 0.1 mg/kg. None of the more toxic impurities of PCP were detected in the chicken tissues.