Dioxins & PCBs

Dioxins, a collective term for a group of environmental contaminants that includes certain dioxin, furan, and dioxin-like PCB (polychlorinated biphenyl) congeners, are found throughout the world. Dioxins and furans are released into the air from combustion processes. The wide use of PCBs as dielectric and coolant fluids in the past has resulted in their presence in the environment. FDA has been monitoring specific foods with the goal of identifying ways to reduce dietary exposure to dioxin.

For more information:

• Dioxin Analysis Results/Exposure Estimates June 2006; Updated November 2007
  • Non-TDS Foods Analyzed for PCDD/PCDFs in 2001-2003 November 2007
  • PCDD/PCDF Exposure Estimates from Non-TDS Foods Analyzed in 2001-2003 November 2007
  • PCDD/PCDF Exposure Estimates from TDS Samples Collected in 2001-2004 June 2006 
• Dioxins: FDA Strategy for Monitoring, Method Development, and Reducing Human Exposure February 7, 2002
• Guidance for Industry: Possible Dioxin/PCB Contamination of Drug and Biological Products August 1999