Vol. 537 No. 1
137 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if the World Health Organisation has recently reduced the amount of PCBs in human bodies considered to be safe; his views on these findings; and the action he has taken as a result. [15451/01]
I am advised that the World Health Organisation – WHO – from time to time sets recommended tolerable daily intake – TDI – levels for dioxins and related compounds such as polychlorinated bi-phenyls – PCBs. The recommended levels are based on information regarding the toxicity of these compounds. The TDI for PCBs was set in 1998. The WHO will again examine the safety of dioxins and related compounds when the joint United Nations food and agriculture organisation-WHO expert committee on food additives meets in June 2001.
In an Irish context studies on these residues in food indicate a satisfactory situation. Within the scope of the food residue database the results of studies by Teagasc on PCBs in dairy products and in beef and pork fat were published last year. These studies, covering 150 samples for each study, found no measurable residues of PCBs in any samples of these foods of animal origin.
