News
19-Dec-2008 - LGC Standards provides reference
materials to support dioxin and PCB contamination
testing
Dioxin and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) residues discovered
in slaughtered pigs has led to the recall of all pork products
originating from the Republic of Ireland since 1 September
2008
The source of the contaminated pork products has been traced to
contaminated feed, and tests have shown some pork products
contained up to 200 times more dioxins than the recognised maximum
residue limits specified by Commission Regulation (EC) No.
1881/2006 (Sum of dioxin and dioxin-like PCBs 1.5 pg/g fat).
Dioxins are formed during combustion processes, such as waste
incineration, and long term exposure can cause cancer.
The recall advised by the Food Standards Agencies also affects
Irish exports of pork to Europe. Manufacturers, retailers and
caterers can only continue to sell their products if they prove it
has not been affected by the contamination, or complies with the
safety limits.
Laboratories testing products for the presence of dioxins and
other contaminants require reference standards and materials to
ensure the accuracy of their results, and the validity of their
testing methods.
LGC Standards, a division of
LGC, has a range of products to assist testing laboratories in
the analysis of dioxins, PCBs and related environmental
contaminants e.g. polybrominated flame retardants:
- Individual standards for dioxins, PCBs and other environmental
contaminants e.g. polybrominated flame retardants, in
isotope-labelled and unlabelled forms
- Dioxin/furan and PCB method standards, standard mixtures and
reference materials
- Custom solutions for environmental contaminants in
isotope-labelled and unlabelled forms
- Processed meat matrix reference materials, including pork and
related products.
For further information please contact LGC Standards by
email: uksales@lgcstandards.com or tel:
+44 (0)20 8943 8480.
Notes to Editors