Regulation (EU) 2023/915 sets maximum levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffs.
Dioxins
What are the health risks associated
with dioxins, furans and PCBs?
Dioxins, furans and PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) belong to the family of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Highly stable in the environment, these contaminants mainly originate from industrial activities, combustion processes, transport or certain chemical treatments. Due to their lipophilic nature, they accumulate in fats and become progressively concentrated throughout the food chain, particularly in products of animal origin.
Prolonged exposure to these substances can pose significant health risks, including carcinogenic effects, endocrine disruption, damage to the immune system and effects on development and reproduction. Dioxins, furans and PCBs comprise numerous congeners, the analysis of which requires particularly complex extraction and purification methods as well as highly sensitive analytical technologies.
Directive 2002/32/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 May 2002, and its subsequent amendments, regulates the presence of undesirable substances in animal feed.
Commission Recommendation 2013/711/EU of 3 December 2013, and its subsequent amendments, aims to reduce the presence of dioxins, furans and PCBs in food and feed.
CONTROL PLAN
Our expertise in the analysis of Dioxins, Furans and PCBs
Thanks to its analytical expertise and thorough command of European regulatory requirements, Phytocontrol carries out, under COFRAC accreditation, dioxin, furan and PCB analyses by gas chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (GC-HRMS) as well as by atmospheric pressure gas chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (APGC-MS/MS).
Our laboratories rely on a state-of-the-art automated process for sample extraction and purification, ensuring sensitive, robust and reliable analyses.
QUALITY
Our accreditations
Phytocontrol is COFRAC-accredited for the analysis of Dioxins, Furans and PCBs in all foodstuffs intended for human and animal consumption.
Testimonial
Dioxin risk after a fire:
a farmer’s testimonial
After a fire at an industrial site near our fields, we wondered about the risk of our crops being contaminated by dioxins. We needed quick reassurance about the compliance of our harvest. We were looking for a laboratory able to carry out reliable analyses and help us interpret the results. Phytocontrol was very responsive, both in handling our samples and in communicating with their experts. The results allowed us to confirm the quality of our production and continue marketing it with confidence.
Beyond analysis
Our training courses
Recommended training courses
Discover 2 key training courses to quickly boost your skills
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Chemical contaminants
Learn to prevent and monitor environmental contaminants in food.
7 hoursRegistration -
Good sampling practices
Master sampling techniques for reliable analyses.
7 hoursRegistration
Questions about our analyses or your project?
Our advisors respond within 24 hours. Tell us about your needs.
SECTORS
Products affected by Dioxins, Furans and PCBs
Our laboratory supports food industry professionals in managing dioxin risk.
