Progress 07/01/12 to 09/30/12
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416): To conduct a statistical quantification of 17 toxic dioxins and furans, 3 co-planar PCBs and to measure 16 brominated flame retardants in beef, pork, chicken, and turkey samples. Approach (from AD-416): Meat and poultry samples will be analyzed for 17 toxic dioxins and furans and 3 co-planar PCBs by high resolution gas chromatography-mass spectrometry methods. The USDA-ARS will conduct dioxin analysis on approximately 500 samples from beef, pork, chicken, and turkey samples collected by the US FSIS for the survey. The analysis includes sample purification and quantification of 17 toxic dioxins and furans, 3 co- planar PCBs and 16 brominated flame retardants by high resolution gas chromatography-mass spectrometry methods. All compounds can be isolated from a single purification procedure. The analytical methods are based on EPA Method 1613 �Tetra- through octa-chlorinated dioxins and furans by isotope dilution HRGC/HRMS� and EPA Method 1614 "Brominated diphenyl ethers in water, soil, sediment, and tissue by HRGC/HRMS. A survey of dioxins, furans, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in domestic US meat and poultry was initiated together with FSIS. Beef, pork, chicken, and turkey samples (totaling 510 samples) are collected monthly (~43 samples/month) by FSIS and sent to the ARS Biosciences Research Lab for analysis. Samples are being analyzed for 17 dioxins/furans, 3 dioxin-like PCBs, and 16 PBDEs. Preliminary results for the survey show that domestic meat and poultry contain low levels of dioxins/furans, and these levels appear to be decreasing or remaining static when compared to past surveys in the mid-1990s, 2002-3, and 2007-8. Approximately 75% of the 510 samples have been collected and received. Of the 510 samples that will be or have been collected, approximately 50% have been extracted and analyzed for dioxins, furans, PCBs, and PBDEs. Survey monitoring activities include weekly emails about collection status and problems and monthly conference calls with the Dioxin Survey Oversight Committee, which include interagency scientists (ARS, FSIS, FDA, and EPA representatives). Also, there is timely follow up with emails, phone calls, and investigations when there is a sample containing high dioxin/furan levels that are over specified limits. Notices about high levels in samples are posted to the USDA FSIS website to inform the public.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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