On Nov. 1, 2023, the U.S. Department of Agriculture;s Food Safety and Inspection Service will begin a one-year sampling program of domestic beef, pork, and Siluriformes fish to determine levels of dioxins and dioxin-like compounds.

This survey is part of FSIS’ effort to monitor dioxin in regulated products to provide insight on changes in human exposure to dioxin-like compounds through the diet. Dioxins are a group of compounds of public health concern that are found in the environment, generally occurring at very low levels as persistent environmental contaminants. FSIS in-plant personnel will collect the samples and the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) will analyze the samples. This is the latest survey in the recurring five-year cycle of dioxin surveys that FSIS conducts with other federal partners, including ARS, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Food and Drug Administration.

FSIS intends to publish the results of this survey on the Chemical Residues and Contaminants page of FSIS website, alongside previous survey results. FSIS has issued instructions to inspection program personnel in FSIS Notices 56-23 Fiscal year 2024 Dioxin Survey Livestock (Cattle And Swine) and 57-23 Fiscal year 2024 Dioxin Survey For Domestic Farm-Raised And Wild Caught Siluriformes Fish.

Source: USDA-FSIS