Persistent organic pollutants in food systems: A comparative study across four contrasting socio-ecosystems: Portugal, Senegal, French Guiana, and Guadeloupe.

Abstract

This study quantifies persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in food across four territories undergoing dietary transitions: French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Senegal, and Portugal. A total of 200 local and imported food samples from 12 categories were analyzed for polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Concentrations varied by food matrix, region, and origin. The highest PCDD levels were found in butter from Senegal (16.64 pg/g), and the highest PCDFs in leafy vegetables from Portugal (2.4 pg/g). Fish category showed the highest levels of dioxin-like PCBs (600.7 pg/g) and non-dioxin-like PCBs (3.6 ng/g). All values complied with EU Regulation 2023/915. To estimate dietary exposure, the maximum allowable daily intake (g of food/day) was calculated using Toxic Equivalents (TEQ), EFSA's tolerable weekly intake (TWI: 2 pg TEQ/kg bw/week), and compared to national food consumption data. In Portugal, exposure from fish exceeded the TWI, highlighting the influence of regional contamination sources and dietary habits.