Screening for PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs in local and imported food and feed products available across the State of Kuwait and assessment of dietary intake

- Out of 318 food and feed samples analyzed by DR CALUX bioassay 45 samples (14 percent) exceeded EU maximum limits.
- DR CALUX bioassay BEQs measured in food and feed ranged 0.10-5.90.
- The dietary intakes of males and females were in the range of the WHO-TDI range of 1-4 WHO-TEQ kg−1 body weight day−1.

A total of 318 local and imported meat, milk, eggs, fish, and animal feed samples collected in Kuwait were analyzed by cell-based reporter gene assay (Dioxin-Responsive Chemical Activated LUciferase gene eXpression DR-CALUX) for PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs. The bioanalytical equivalents (BEQs) obtained by DR-CALUX bioassay were compared with the official maximum limits according to the European Commission (EC) regulations. Suspected and randomly chosen negative samples were analyzed by gas chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (GC-HRMS). The results showed that among suspected samples, one sample was confirmed to be non-compliant. The positive sample was of imported origin. The correlation coefficient of 0.98 between DR-CALUX and GC-HRMS was found. Moreover, the average daily intakes of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs for the Kuwaiti population were estimated. Results obtained in this study were discussed and compared with other published data.