High levels of dioxins and PCBs in meat, fat and livers of free ranging pigs, goats, sheep and cows from the island of Curacao

Samples of adipose tissue, meat and livers from pigs, cows, sheep and goats from Curacao were analysed for polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), and dioxin-like (dl-) and non-dioxin-like (ndl-) PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls). Levels in many samples of adipose tissue were higher than the EU maximum levels (MLs) for PCDD/Fs and the sum of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs (sum-TEQ), indicating unusually high levels. Median sum-TEQ (Toxic Equivalents) levels for pigs, cows, sheep and goats were 0.9 (range 0.3-35), 3.0 (0.5-14), 5.7 (0.3-28) and 6.5 (0.5-134) pg TEQ g(-1) fat. For most samples, the congener pattern pointed to the burning of waste as the major source, in line with the fact that most animals forage outside. MLs for ndl-PCBs were also exceeded in some of the samples, indicating that some areas are additionally contaminated with PCBs. Meat levels showed similar lipid based levels as adipose tissue, contrary to liver levels, which were much higher in most animals. Pigs showed liver sequestration at lower levels in adipose tissue than the ruminants. The relatively high levels observed in this study are likely to result in high exposure of consumers and measures were taken to reduce the contamination of areas where animals forage. (C) 2020 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Automated summary

Samples of adipose tissue, meat, and livers from pigs, cows, sheep, and goats in Curacao were found to have higher levels of PCDD/Fs and PCBs than EU maximum levels, with burning of waste being the major source. Meat and adipose tissue showed similar lipid-based levels, while liver levels were significantly higher, indicating differences in contamination levels between pigs and ruminants. Measures were taken to reduce contamination in areas where animals forage, as high levels observed are likely to result in increased consumer exposure.