Unified Food Inspection Body (EFET), NCSR "Demokritos"

28/02/2006

A multi-annual programme of inspecting dioxin and polychlorine biphenyl (PCBs) levels in food of both Greek and foreign origin, has been conducted since 2002 by the Unified Food Inspection Body (EFET), in cooperation with the NCSR "Demokritos" Laboratory for Mass Spectrometry and Dioxin Analysis.

As stated in a recent announcement by the Unified Food Inspection Body, the inspection mainly concerns food of animal origin, such as meat and its products, milk and dairy products, eggs, fish as well as baby foods, fruits and vegetables, olive oil and cereals. All samples tested were found to be in accordance with legislation (Regulation 2375/2001), while the dioxin content of foods originating from Greece was much lower than the maximum allowable limits and the European average.

Regarding the subject of animal feed contaminated with dioxin from Belgium, the Unified Food Inspection Body announced that it is being kept up to date on a regular basis from the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF), while being in communication with both the European Union and the competent authorities of Belgium and Holland. Further it has requested in writing, additional data on the possible dioxin contamination of food from farm units of the above countries that used that particular animal feed. It is evident from data available today that there is no public health risk.

It is worth noting that during the recent inter-laboratory dioxin test that was conducted by UKAS, the official accreditation body of England, with the participation of internationally acknowledged laboratories that specialize in dioxin analysis, the Mass Spectrometry and Dioxin Analysis Laboratory of NSCR ?Demokritos? was closer to the result (deviation = 0) from all participating laboratories. This distinction places the Mass Spectrometry and Dioxin Analysis Laboratory among the most reliable dioxin laboratories in the world.

The Mass Spectrometry and Dioxin Analysis Laboratory is a high technology unit that has been operating since 2002, servicing healthcare and consumer protection. The laboratory features modern premises that meet all safety standards, experienced scientific staff and specialised equipment, allowing it to isolate and determine in detail dioxins, PCBs and similar compounds in several types of samples (e.g. foods, biological substances and animal feed) and, in general, determine substances in traces.

The Mass Spectrometry and Dioxin Analysis Laboratory is already in collaboration with the Unified Food Inspection Body and Veterinarian Health Department of the Ministry of Agriculture, in order to determine dioxins and similar compounds (PCBs) in food, nutrition supplements and animal feed. They have also carried out dioxin and PCB analyses on human serum for the Ministry of National Economy, Hellenic Postal Offices, Public Power Corporation, while consulting private food enterprises on quality assurance matters.