Abstract
The first German Total Diet Study, called the BfR MEAL Study, generated a comprehensive dataset of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and -furans (PCDD/Fs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs) in foods representative for the consumption habits in households in Germany. PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs are persistent organic pollutants. Dietary intake is considered to be the most relevant exposure pathway for humans. Levels were examined in 300 foods that were prepared as typically consumed by the population in Germany. Highest PCDD/F and dl-PCB levels were detected in animal-based foods such as fish, butter, dairy products, liver, and meat. The comparison of conventionally and organically produced foods revealed a trend to slightly higher contents in organically produced foods. Sampling discriminated by region and season showed no major differences. Analysed occurrence data will improve future dietary exposure and food safety assessments in Germany.