FSAI report assesses dioxin risk in Irish farm animals
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland has released a scientific report evaluating the presence of dioxins and PCBs in terrestrial farm animals. It finds generally low contamination levels but advises ongoing vigilance and best farming practices to safeguard food safety nationwide.
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⏱️ 2 min read
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has published a detailed scientific report from its Scientific Committee examining the risk posed by dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) — persistent environmental pollutants — in food derived from farm animals grazing outdoors. These substances accumulate in animal fat and may, over long periods, increase health risks including cancer and hormone disruption.
The report finds that Ireland typically exhibits low environmental levels of dioxins and PCBs, resulting in minimal risk to consumers and low likelihood of these chemicals entering food from outdoor-grazing livestock. However, occasional contamination can arise from sources such as illegal waste burning, contaminated soils, industrial emissions, ageing machinery, or recycled materials. Animals may be exposed through grazing, soil ingestion, drinking contaminated water, or contact with polluted sites, potentially leading to contamination of meat, milk, and eggs.
To maintain this low risk, the report recommends continued monitoring of air, soil, water, animal feed, and food products, along with mapping and restricting livestock access to potentially contaminated areas. Farmers are urged to adopt good agricultural practices including maintaining healthy grass cover, avoiding overgrazing, using approved fertilisers and soil treatments, disposing of waste properly, and refraining from illegal burning. The study emphasises farmer education, clear guidance, and inter-agency cooperation as essential to preserving Ireland’s strong food safety record regarding dioxins and PCBs.
The report finds that Ireland typically exhibits low environmental levels of dioxins and PCBs, resulting in minimal risk to consumers and low likelihood of these chemicals entering food from outdoor-grazing livestock. However, occasional contamination can arise from sources such as illegal waste burning, contaminated soils, industrial emissions, ageing machinery, or recycled materials. Animals may be exposed through grazing, soil ingestion, drinking contaminated water, or contact with polluted sites, potentially leading to contamination of meat, milk, and eggs.
To maintain this low risk, the report recommends continued monitoring of air, soil, water, animal feed, and food products, along with mapping and restricting livestock access to potentially contaminated areas. Farmers are urged to adopt good agricultural practices including maintaining healthy grass cover, avoiding overgrazing, using approved fertilisers and soil treatments, disposing of waste properly, and refraining from illegal burning. The study emphasises farmer education, clear guidance, and inter-agency cooperation as essential to preserving Ireland’s strong food safety record regarding dioxins and PCBs.
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