Dietary PCB intake in Belgium

A food market-basket, representative for the general Belgian population, containing various meat, fish and dairy food products, was analysed for its polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) content. Additionally, fast food samples were also investigated. Based on the measured PCB levels (sum of 23 congeners), an average daily dietary intake estimate of PCBs was calculated. Of all foods analysed, fish had the highest average sum of PCB levels (7.1 ng/g ww), with a high variation between the investigated species, followed by dairy products and eggs (3.2 ng/g ww), fast food (1.9 ng/g ww) and meat products (0.62 ng/g ww). One fresh salmon filet had the highest total concentration of PCBs (36 ng/g ww or 200 ng/g lw), whereas levels in steak and chicken breast were the lowest of all foods analysed. PCB intake calculations were based on the average daily food consumption in Belgium and were estimated between 404 and 535 ng/day of total PCBs (lower and upper bound). This value is in accordance with what was previously reported for diets from geographical distinct areas. Although it is only a minor constituent of the Belgian diet, fish is the major contributor to the total daily PCB intake (around 50%) due to the high PCB levels in this type of food. Meat products account for around 20% of the total dietary intake of PCBs, while dairy products and eggs contribute to a lesser degree (less than 20%).