Levels and patterns of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans and polychlorinated biphenyls in foodstuffs of animal origin from Chinese markets and implications of dietary exposure

The concentrations and distribution profiles of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were measured in representative animal origin food-stuffs randomly collected from markets located in five regions of the Chinese mainland during 2018-2019. The collected foodstuffs were classified into 11 pools consisting of pork, beef, mutton, poultry meat, chicken eggs, pure milk, mixed animal fat, fish, shrimp, shellfish, and cephalopods. The levels of trito octa-CDD/Fs (Sigma PCDD/Fs), tri-to deca-CBs (Sigma PCBs), and WHO-TEQ in the collected animal foods were found to be in the ranges of 0.4-14.3 pg/g, 0.04-2.8 ng/g, and 0.013-0.75 pg/g on a fresh weight basis, respectively. The concentrations of PCDD/Fs and PCBs in most of the animal food groups from coastal regions were obviously higher than those from inland regions. Remarkable differences in the homologue and congener distribution of PCDD/Fs and PCBs were observed between terrestrial and aquatic animal foods. The dietary intakes of WHO-TEQ via consumption of animal foods by a standard adult in the five regions were estimated to be in the range of 3.57-19.63 pg WHO-TEQ/kg body weight/month. Consumption of the aquatic animal food and pork categories contributed most of the estimated dietary intakes of WHO-TEQ in the coastal regions, whereas consumption of beef, mutton, and milk made up the primary contributions in Northwest region. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

During 2018-2019, concentrations and distribution profiles of PCDD/Fs and PCBs in animal origin food-stuffs from five regions in China were studied. Results showed higher levels of PCDD/Fs and PCBs in coastal regions compared to inland regions. Significant differences in homologue and congener distribution of PCDD/Fs and PCBs were observed between terrestrial and aquatic animal foods. Estimated dietary intakes of WHO-TEQ from consuming animal foods ranged from 3.57-19.63 pg WHO-TEQ/kg body weight/month in the five regions, with aquatic animal food and pork being major sources in coastal regions and beef, mutton, and milk in the Northwest region.