Food control surveys of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans and intake estimates

Several countries have congener-specific data on polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDD) and dibenzofurans (PCDF) in basic foods as well as calculations of the daily exposure to PCDD/F through food. In many countries the total daily intake is of the same level, close to 2 pg toxic equivalents (TEQ)/kg bw/day. The highest concentrations of chlorinated dioxins and furans have been measured in fish and beef which are also their most important sources, together with milk and dairy products. Compared with adults, the neonates and probably older children have a higher exposure level. If human exposure to chlorinated dioxins and furans is higher than the most common tolerable daily intake (TDI) of 10 pg TEQ/kg bw/day, effective means to control the exposure level are needed. The most important countermeasures are to set limits for emissions of PCDD/F and for concentrations in cow's milk, which is an important source of these compounds for children.