Concentrations of dioxins and dioxine-like PCBs in feed material in the Netherlands, 2001-11

This study aimed to obtain insights into contamination of feed materials used in the Netherlands with dioxins (polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Monitoring results from the period 2001-11, covering in total 4938 samples, were statistically analysed and evaluated against the statutory limits set at the beginning or during this period. The percentage of samples exceeding maximum levels set within the European Union for either dioxins or the sum of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs were below 1% for most feed categories, except for fish meal (4.1%), clay minerals (binders and anti-caking agents) (3.4%), and vegetable oils and byproducts (1.7%). For most feed categories, non-compliance with the action threshold (roughly 33% lower than maximum levels) for either dioxins or dioxin-like PCBs was up to three times higher than non-compliance with the respective maximum levels. Exceedance of action thresholds was just above 1% for animal fat, pre-mixtures and feed materials of plant origin excluding vegetable oils. For the categories fish meal, clay minerals, and vegetable oils and byproducts, the action thresholds were exceeded by 5.0%, 9.8% and 3.0% of the samples, respectively. In general, the percentages of samples that exceeded the action thresholds and maximum levels were lower than those reported for the European Union by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). In most of the feed materials, there seems to be a decreasing trend in concentrations of dioxins or dioxin-like PCBs over the years. However, a lowering of the limits of quantification during this period and the low concentrations in most samples precludes drawing strong conclusions

Levels and trends of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs in feed : levels and trends of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs in feed in the Netherlands during the last decade (2001-2011)

Trend analysis on monitoring data could be a suitable method to identify feed commodities with higher dioxin or DL-PCB concentrations, thus contributing to risk-based monitoring. The aim of the present study was to obtain insight into background levels of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs (DL-PCBs) in feed and potential trends therein

The problem of food waste : A legal-economic analysis

This chapter reviews, building on legal-systematic and economic analysis, the origins for food waste vested in food law and states possible remedies. Several causes are identified: A policy of 'zero-tolerance', food information requirements, bans on use of hazardous materials, a policy of 'structural precaution' and strict top-down plant pest controls. In all of these, uncertainties as to how to behave and what the real risks are seem to play a key role in the early discard of consumable foodstuffs. Solutions can come from technical, legal as well as social sciences. In food law and policy, rule-makers should be more aware of the adverse effects of requirements on businesses that foster food safety. Technical sciences may provide solutions through nano- and it-innovations. From social sciences, it can be learned what factors induce humans to overemphasise risk exposure. Moral issues are connected to possible solutions, especially to certain potentially hazardous new techniques (like nanotechnology) and the acceptability to nudge, channel and restrict free human will and choice to reduce the waste stream