In its draft scientific opinion on dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs, EFSA proposes to lower the tolerable weekly intake from 2 to 0.6 picograms per kilogram of body weight.
Dioxins and PCBs are persistent environmental contaminants that accumulate in the food chain, particularly in animal fat, and may affect the nervous, immune and endocrine systems as well as increase the risk of cancer in humans.
Background to the updated assessment
The European Commission has asked EFSA to update its 2018 scientific assessment after the World Health Organization (WHO) revised the so-called toxicity equivalency factors in 2022. These factors are internationally recognised values that express the toxicity of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs relative to the most extensively studied dioxin.
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On EFSA’s Connect platform you can find the consultation material and submit comments until 26 January 2026.
