Survey of Dioxins and Dioxin-like PCBs in Fish Oil Supplements (Number 26/02)

• Dioxins and PCBs were analysed by the Food Standards Agency in retail samples of fish oil supplements in a follow-up survey to those carried out in 1994 and 1996.
• Concentrations of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs in fish oil supplements were in the range 1.9 to 46 ng WHO-TEQ/kg oil.
• The estimated upper bound intakes of adults to dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs from the recommended dosages of fish oil supplements were in the range <0.1 to 7.1 pg WHO-TEQ/kg bodyweight/day. These estimated intakes do not take account of intakes from the whole diet. The estimated intakes of consumers from consumption of fish oil supplements have generally fallen since 1996 where the same product is still available.
• The Agency sought advice from members of the UK independent Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food Consumer Products and the Environment (COT).
• In the light of COT members’ advice the Agency has asked manufacturers to withdraw affected batches of 2 products which, on their own, could result in intakes of dioxins and dioxin like PCBs by consumers that would exceed twice the Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI);
• The Agency will continue to work with producers to reduce the intakes of dioxins and dioxin like PCBs from fish oil supplements through a range of measures.
• Intakes of dioxins at the highest levels found in the survey are a relatively low health risk for most adults. The TDI is set below levels of dioxin exposure that are likely to be harmful and risks relate to long-term exposure.