The survey of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, polychlorinated dibenzofurans, and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls levels in pasteurized cow’s milk collected in Qazvin

Abstract

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/PCDFs), collectively termed dioxins, as well as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are widespread environmental contaminants. A local survey was carried out on seven samples of pasteurized full-fat grade milk commercially available in Qazvin in 2013 to assess the concentrations of PCDD/PCDFs and dioxin-like PCBs (DL-PCBs) in pasteurized cow’s milk. The mean concentration of PCDD/PCDFs for pasteurized samples determined 0.74 pg toxic equivalent [TEQ]/g fat (range 0.34-1.10). In this survey observed in all samples of pasteurized milk the mean of total TEQ concentration was 0.880 pg TEQ/g fat that lower than the thresholds defined by the European Union regulations for the sum of PCDD/PCDFs and DL-PCBs (P < 0.05). This difference could be possible because of the industrial condition in Qazvin. As a result of the importance of the issue, it is suggested that planning must carry out to control and prevent these types of compounds into the food chain.