Harmonizing methods for the determination of dioxins in food

Methods for sampling and sample treatment as well as the analytical methodology for determination of dioxin and dioxin-like PCBs in food have been discussed and evaluated at 2 workshops with participation from all Nordic countries.It was found that in general the EU regulation and guidelines for sampling and sample treatment appears to fit their purpose although there is a need for better procedures for the sampling of lots containing fishes of different size or weight. Information on the equipment and analytical methods used by the Nordic dioxin laboratories to measure dioxin and dioxin-like PCB in foodstuffs were compiled through a questionnaire. Together the replies are giving an overview of the analytical capacity in the Nordic countries and they demonstrate that the analytical methodology used by the Nordic dioxin laboratories is in good agreement with the EU guidelines and other international standards and recommendations