What are Persistent Organic Pollutants?

Identified as hazardous organic chemicals, Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are resistant to biodegradation and persist in the environment. POPs bioaccumulate and are therefore a major concern in food products across the globe.

Testing for POPs, which include dioxins/furans and PCBs, is not a requirement by the FDA at this point in time in the United States. It is widely tested for in Europe in order to ensure the quality of their food products, the safety of the food consumed, and the continued health and safety of the consumer.

Dioxins/Furans

More than 90 percent of human exposure to dioxins/furans is through the consumption of contaminated food – mainly meat, dairy products, fish and shellfish. They are classified as carcinogenic, showing toxic effects in animal studies and damage to reproductive and immune systems.

PCBs

PCB congeners, known as Dioxin-like PCBs, are considered carcinogenic while other PCB congeners are considered to be endocrine disruptors. Human exposure to PCBs can occur mainly through breathing in contaminated air and consuming contaminated foods. These chemicals accumulate in the person’s body fat or other organs for years.