Dioxins and furans in cow milk and dairy products: A review of the scientific literature

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) are a group of persistent organic pollutants with well-known toxic effects and potential carcinogenicity. Human exposure to PCDD/Fs is mainly through food, including dairy products. The scientific information on the concentrations of PCDD/Fs in milk and dairy products is here reviewed. It also includes the intake of PCDD/Fs through the consumption of these products. PCDD/Fs concentrations in milk and dairy products are currently decreasing. A similar trend is also noted for their contributions to the total dietary intake of PCDD/Fs. No significant health risks due to exposure to PCDD/Fs through the consumption of dairy products are expected.

Automated summary

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) are persistent organic pollutants that have toxic effects and potential carcinogenicity. Human exposure to PCDD/Fs primarily occurs through food, including dairy products. The concentrations of PCDD/Fs in milk and dairy products are currently decreasing, which also leads to a decrease in their contribution to the total dietary intake of PCDD/Fs. Overall, significant health risks from consuming dairy products contaminated with PCDD/Fs are not expected.