Application of a model to estimate total concentrations of dioxins and DL-PCBs in pork production in Chile

Abstract

This research presents a model to estimate the total concentration or C_Total of dioxins (PCDD), furans (PCDF) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCBs) in pork. The model was applied considering the categories of raw materials that make up two reference diets for pig production in Chile. Samples of such raw materials were analyzed to detect PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs using the EROD-H4IIE bioassay (determination of 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase activity in the H4IIE rat hepatoma cell line). The results obtained from the bioassay were used to model dietary accumulation, considering different percentages of absorption of these contaminants. In all the cases considered, a decrease in C_Total was observed if the production cycle was extended to 220 days. Risk values were proposed for each category of raw materials that compose the reference diets and these were classified into four levels according to the concentration of PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs estimated in pork at the time of slaughter. The modeling results for both diets indicate a very high level of risk for vegetable and mineral components of the diet. A high level for vegetable oils and fatty acids of animal origin and a low risk level for animal meals, binders and anti-caking agents, dairy products and premixes.