Phenomenex and Vista Analytical Announce New Method for Dioxin Analysis in Animal Feed

Phenomenex Inc., announces the publication of a new method for the analysis of dioxins in animal feed and tissue using high-resolution gas chromatography with mass spec detection (HRGCMS). Demand for these analyses has grown significantly in recent weeks, since the discovery of dangerous levels of the cancer-causing chemicals in animal feed produced in Germany.

The new method, developed in collaboration with Vista Analytical, also analyses dioxin-like compounds dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which are often monitored in conjunction with dioxins to give an overall toxic equivalent (TEQ) for a sample. Dioxins enter the environment and subsequently the food chain through combustion of organic materials in waste incineration.

Recently 2,256 tons of fat, incorporated into feed products in Germany, were found to be highly contaminated, posing the threat of chain-reaction through the food supply. Several countries have now banned imports of animal products from Germany as a precautionary measure.

“While dioxin contamination is generally on the decline due to aggressive regulatory action, we can still see accidents, such as the one in Germany,” explains Sky Countryman, manager of applications and applied technology for Phenomenex. “Robust analytical testing procedures are still in demand for the determination of potential dioxin threats in both feed and animal fat.”