Case-study and risk management of dioxins and PCBs bovine milk contaminations in a high industrialized area in Northern Italy

Prioritization of chemical food safety hazards in the European feed supply chain

Extensive monitoring programs of chemical hazards in the animal feed chain are in place, both organized by public and private organizations. The objective of this review was to prioritize chemical hazards for monitoring in the European animal feed supply chain. A step-wise approach was designed for the prioritization, based on: historical occurrence of the chemicals in animal feed ingredients and animal feeds (in relation to European guidance values or maximum limits in feed); information on transfer of the chemical to edible animal products, and; the extent of human dietary intake of the products and possible adverse human health effects of the chemical. Possible prioritization outcomes were: high (H), medium (M), or low (L) priority for monitoring, or classification not possible (NC) because of limited available data on the transfer of the chemical to edible animal tissues. The selection of chemicals included (with results in parentheses): dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (H); brominated flame retardants (H); per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (H); the heavy metals arsenic (H) and cadmium (H) as well as lead (M) and mercury (M); aflatoxins (H), ochratoxin A (NC), and other mycotoxins (L); pyrrolizidine alkaloids (H) and other plant toxins (NC); organochlorine pesticides (H) and other pesticides (L); pharmaceutically active substances (M); hormones (NC); polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (L), heat-induced processing contaminants (NC), and mineral oils (NC). Results of this study can be used to support risk-based monitoring by food safety authorities and feed-producing companies in Europe.

Foraging animal origin food samples as passive indicators of dioxin-like POPs contamination in industry sites: Method development, characterisation and risk assessment

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is an important industrial chemical, and studies suggest its major production route - the chloride process could lead to the generation of unintentional dl-POPs. However, no relevant studies assessed the occurrence of dl-POPs associated with TiO2 production in the industrial zones, which is mostly due to the ultra-trace level distribution of these compounds in environmental compartments. The present study explored the novel possibility of utilising foraging animal-origin foods as sensitive indicators for addressing this challenge and generated a globally beneficial dataset by assessing the background levels of dl-POPs in the vicinity of a TiO2 production house in Southern India. Systematic sampling of foraging cow's milk and free-ranging hen's eggs was carried out from the study site, and the dl-POPs assessments were conducted utilising an in-house developed cost-effective GC-MS/MS-based analytical methodology. The median dl-POPs levels in milk and egg samples were about 3 times higher than the control samples collected from farm-fed animals and retail markets. The contaminant loads in the foraging animal-origin food samples were further traced to their presence in environmental compartments of soil and sediment and admissible degree of correlations were observed in congener fingerprints. Elevated health risks were inferred for the population in the industrial zones with weekly intakes weighing about 0.15-17 times the European Food Safety Authority-assigned levels. The consumption of foraging cow's milk was observed to have a higher contribution towards the hazard indices and cancer risk estimates and were significantly higher (p < 0.05) for children. The study also presents a critical validation of the GC-MS/MS-based method for the purpose of regulatory monitoring of dl-POPs, which could be of practical significance in economies in transition.

Transfer of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from oral exposure into cow's milk - Part I: state of knowledge and uncertainties

Polychlorinated dibenzo-para-dioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs) (collectively and colloquially referred to as 'dioxins') as well as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent and ubiquitous environmental contaminants that may unintentionally enter and accumulate along the food chain. Owing to their chronic toxic effects in humans and bioaccumulative properties, their presence in feed and food requires particular attention. One important exposure pathway for consumers is consumption of milk and dairy products. Their transfer from feed to milk has been studied for the past 50 years to quantify the uptake and elimination kinetics. We extracted transfer parameters (transfer rate, transfer factor, biotransfer factor and elimination half-lives) in a machine-readable format from seventy-six primary and twenty-nine secondary literature items. Kinetic data for some toxicologically relevant dioxin congeners and the elimination half-lives of dioxin-like PCBs are still not available. A well-defined selection of transfer parameters from literature was statistically analysed and shown to display high variability. To understand this variability, we discuss the data with an emphasis on influencing factors, such as experimental conditions, cow performance parameters and metabolic state. While no universal interpretation could be derived, a tendency for increased transfer into milk is apparently connected to an increase in milk yield and milk fat yield as well as during times of body fat mobilisation, for example during the negative energy balance after calving. Over the past decades, milk yield has increased to over 40 kg/d during high lactation, so more research is needed on how this impacts feed to food transfer for PCDD/Fs and PCBs.

Evaluation of in vitro bioassays as a screening tool to monitor chemical hazards in cow's milk

Studies on cow's milk have mainly focused on analyzing specific chemical groups and natural components. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated if effect-based in vitro methods could be used as a screening tool to monitor chemical hazards in milk. In total, 32 milk samples were collected from a Swedish dairy company throughout one year. These samples included conventional and organic semi-skimmed as well as raw milk. The milk samples were tested in five in vitro methods covering eight endpoints. These endpoints included cytotoxicity, endocrine disruption (estrogen/androgen induction/inhibition), aryl hydrocarbon receptor activity, oxidative stress and DNA damage. Estrogen and androgen receptor inhibition, in addition to aryl hydrocarbon receptor activity, were the most responsive endpoints, where 10 to 13 out of the 32 milk samples were bioactive. Organic and conventional milk showed no major differences. Overall, no or only low activities were observed in milk samples in the remaining in vitro assays, which is a promising result with regard to applying effect-based methods as a screening tool. Concerning the most responsive assays, more research is needed to understand the normal background variations before they can be used as a screening tool for chemical hazards in milk.

Safety Evaluation and Probabilistic Health Risk Assessment of Cow Milk Produced in Northern Italy According to Dioxins and PCBs Contamination Levels

Contamination levels of dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were monitored over 2018-2021 in 214 bovine milk samples from farms located in two regions in northern Italy (Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna). The average concentrations of the sum of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs (0.78 ± 0.55 pg TEQ/g fat) and six non-dioxin-like PCBs (6.55 ± 2.24 ng/g fat) were largely below the maximum, and action limits established at European level, confirming a decreasing trend observed both locally and across Europe in recent years. The impact of contamination levels on chronic dietary exposure of the Italian population to dioxins and PCBs was found to be highly variable based on the type of cow milk (skimmed, semi-skimmed, or whole-fat milk) and the population age group considered. Indeed, a first-tier screening of the potential exposure via determinist methods allowed for the identification of the youngest population as the group with the worst risk profile. The refinement of exposure assessment via Monte Carlo probabilistic methods suggested that, at the less pessimistic middle-bound simulation scenario, infants, toddlers, and children consuming whole cow milk may be exposed to dioxins and PCBs levels above the toxicological reference values with a probability of 76, 56, and 22%, respectively.

2,3',4,4',5-Pentachlorobiphenyl induces mitochondria-dependent apoptosis mediated by AhR/Cyp1a1 in mouse germ cells

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are environmental organic pollutants widely used in industry that can bioaccumulate and affect the reproductive systems of male animals of different species. 2,3',4,4',5-Pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB118) is a representative of the 209 toxic PCB congeners. In this study, male mice were exposed to PCB118 at 0, 50, and 500 μg/kg/day for 35 days beginning 3-4 weeks after birth. The results of the study showed that PCB118 exposure during puberty reduced testicular quality, caused tissue damage, decreased sperm motility and sperm count, and increased malformation and testicular cell apoptosis in mice. Moreover, PCB118 increased the oxidative stress levels in sperm and testicular tissue and the expression of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and Cyp1a1 and siginificantly decreased the level of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). The results indicate that PCB118 can activate the AhR/Cyp1a1 pathway and inhibit Nrf2 expression to aggravate testicular oxidative stress and induce cell apoptosis, resulting in testicular and sperm quality damage.

Human health risk surveillance of polychlorinated biphenyls in bovine milk from alluvial plain of Punjab, Pakistan

Punjab is the leading province of Pakistan in the production of bovine milk and its consumption. Rapid industrialization, high energy demand, and the production of waste have increased the risk of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) toxicity in the environment. This research work was designed to assess human dietary exposure of ∑PCBs17 congeners through ingestion of buffalo and cow's milk from eight main districts of Punjab, Pakistan. The average concentrations of ∑DL-PCBs (8.74 ng g^-1 and 14.60 ng g^-1) and ∑I-PCBs (11.54 ng g^-1 and 18.68 ng g^-1) in buffalo and cow milk samples were analyzed, respectively. The PCB-156 was predominantly high congener found in both buffalo (2.84 ng g^-1) and cow milk (2.86 ng g^-1). It was found that the highest PCBs in bovine milk samples were observed in close vicinities of urban and industrial areas. The estimated daily consumptions of DL-PCBs and I-PCBs, from buffalo and cow milk, were below the acceptable daily intake for both adults and children. Moreover, hazard quotients (HQ) of the ∑PCBs17 congener value were less than 1.0 in adults and greater in the case of children reflecting the high chances of cancer. Furthermore, comprehensive monitoring for childhood cancer is recommended to establish the relationship in future studies.

A retrospective study on dioxins and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls in milk and dairy products from the Latium region (Italy) over a 7-year study period (2011-2017)

This study reports the data of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), -furans (PCDFs), and polychlorinated biphenyls dioxin-like (dl PCBs) measured in a total of 260 samples of the dairy supply chain collected over a period of 7 years (2011-2017) in the Latium region (Italy). Levels and average profiles of congeners were reported for each group of the analyzed dairy matrices, and any differences between different sampling strategies were considered (around likely pollutant sources or casual sampling). Of the samples, 95.4% resulted compliant with the regulated levels; only samples belonging to the "sheep bulk milk" matrix were found to be above either the action levels or the maximum levels (tot. 12 samples). Raw milk of the sheep species showed the highest averages (PCDD/F 0.248 and dl PCB 0.966 WHO TEQ pg/g of fat) compared to the milk of other species. The buffalo milk showed a content of dl PCB significantly lower (dl PCB: 0.371 WHO TEQ pg/g of fat) than the sheep milk (p<0.05). Dioxins were found to be superior to furans in almost all dairy products, except in the noncompliant samples where furans were higher. The OCDD was found to be the most abundant congener in almost all dairy products. This study provides a first list of reference values for background contamination of the dairy supply chain in the Latium region. These pre-existing values will be useful in all cases of environmental pollution to identify critical situations.

The influence of different production systems on dioxin and PCB levels in chicken eggs from Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy regions (Italy) over 2017-2019 and consequent dietary exposure assessment

Hen eggs from farms with different production systems (organic, free range, barn, and in cage) sited in two regions of Italy (Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy) were collected from 2017 to 2019 to monitor the levels of 17 polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin/dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), 12 dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs) and the 6 non-dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyl indicators (ndl-PCBs). Average concentrations of PCDD/Fs (0.21 pg WHO₍₂₀₀₅₎-TEQ/g fat), PCDD/Fs + dl-PCBs (0.43 pg WHO₍₂₀₀₅₎-TEQ/g fat) and ndl-PCBs (6.41 ng/g fat) were below the maximum limits established at European level in eggs, but significantly higher amounts of PCDD/Fs and PCDD/Fs + dl-PCBs were found in eggs from free-range housing system compared to barn, cage, and organic ones. The potential dietary intake of the monitored contaminants by Italian population age groups through the consumption of locally produced eggs was also evaluated. Exposure levels to PCDD/Fs plus dl-PCBs were below the tolerable weekly intake (TWI) of 2 pg WHO₍₂₀₀₅₎-TEQ/kg bw/week recently set by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). However, the younger population was found to be more vulnerable than other age groups to exposure to these contaminants. Specifically, the preferential consumption of free-range eggs by infants, toddlers, and children contributed more than 30% to the TWI. The results confirm the need to continuously monitor the levels of chemical contaminants in the environment and provide a reminder of the importance of targeted intervention measures aimed to reduce their occurrence in food and feed, firstly by improving the management practices on egg-producing farms.

Levels of polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides in donkey milk: Correlation with the infection level by intestinal strongyles

AIM

The study aimed at evaluating the concentration levels of organochlorine pollutants in donkey milk and their modulation on the intestinal strongyle infection. Risk evaluation for consumer health was also investigated.

METHODS

We analyzed milk of grazing donkeys living in areas of Southern of Italy affected by organochlorine compounds environmental pollution and parasite infection. The presence of pollutants was assessed through summary statistics; regression analysis of intestinal strongyle on pollutant concentration was performed to investigate the relationship between the two variables.

RESULTS

PCB concentrations (mainly non-dioxin-like (ndl)-PCBs) were higher than OCP ones. Mean values of ndl-PCBs across areas ranged from 93.13 to 263.64 ng g^-1. In all sample units we detected the six indicator PCBs with the prevalence of the PCB 153, followed by the PCB 28 and the PCB 101. Among the dioxin-like (dl)-PCBs, non-ortho PCB 169, 77 and 126 were assessed in some milk samples; in all areas we detected the mono-ortho PCB 118 and PCB 105. Positive correlation between infection level and six indicator PCBs as well as between the former and HCB, on WW and LW, were observed (at least statistically significant at 5 percent). In some cases, Dl-PCB concentrations emerged as dangerous given the EU maximum residue limit for PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs.

CONCLUSION

Evidence supports the hypothesis of an immunosuppressive role of organochlorine pollutants; risk evaluation reveals the potential health impact of dl-PCB intake, particularly for major donkey milk consumers such as infants, children with cow milk and multiple food intolerance, and elders.

PCDD/Fs, DL-PCBs, and NDL-PCBs in Dairy Cows: Carryover in Milk from a Controlled Feeding Study

A feeding study was carried out to investigate the kinetics in cow milk of the 17 polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), the 12 dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCBs), and the 6 non-dioxin-like PCBs (NDL-PCBs) regulated by the European (EU) legislation. A fortified ration (ΣPCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs: 24.68 ng TEQ/day/cow; ΣNDL-PCBs: 163.99 μg/day/cow) was given to the animals for 49 days, followed by 42 days on clean feed. EU maximum limit for TEQ_{PCDD/F+DL-PCB} was exceeded in milk after 1 week of exposure, while for ΣNDL-PCBs, after 5 weeks. Milk compliance was restored after 1 week on clean feed, but to return to the basal TEQ_{PCDD/F+DL-PCB} it took 42 days. At the end of the study, ΣNDL-PCBs had not yet reached the basal level. The carryover rate of ΣNDL-PCBs was 25.4%, while the carryover rate of TEQ_{PCDD/F+DL-PCB} was 36.9%. The latter was mainly affected by the 12 congeners contributing most to the toxic equivalent (TEQ) level, explaining the fast overcome of the maximum limit in milk.

Dioxin-like (DL-) polychlorinated biphenyls induced immunotoxicity through apoptosis in mice splenocytes via the AhR mediated mitochondria dependent signaling pathways

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) would do serious damage to multiple systems, while coplanar polychlorinated biphenyls, the most toxic member of the family, has been widely taken into consideration. In this study, ICR mice were fed with different doses of PCB126 to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms on immunotoxicity. The results showed that PCB126 caused immunosuppression as evidenced by inhibiting the ratios of thymus and spleen weights, changing the organizational structure and decreasing levels and mRNA expression of TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-2. PCB126 inhibited the SOD activity and spurred the accumulation of MDA in spleen and thymus. Meanwhile, it also disturbed the Nrf2 signaling pathway as evidenced by up-regulating the mRNA expression of Nrf2 and Keap1. Additionally, a remarkable reduction in the mRNA expression of AhR and enhancement in the mRNA expression of Cyp1 enzymes (Cyp1a1, Cyp1a2 and Cyp1b1) were observed, which increased the ROS levels. PCB126 could increase protein expression of Bax, Caspase-3, Caspase-8 and Caspase-9, while the protein expression of Bcl-2 was decreased. In summary, the results indicated that PCB126 modulated the AhR signaling pathway, which interacted with apoptosis and oxidative stress to induce immunotoxicity, enrich the immunotoxicological mechanisms of PCB126.

PCDDs, PCDFs and PCBs in locally produced foods as health risk factors in Silesia Province, Poland

Dioxins (PCDDs), furans (PCDFs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) emitted into the environment can accumulate in foods and become a significant source of dietary exposure for consumers of these compounds. This study aims to assess the dietary exposure of the residents in a rural area of the Silesia region in southern Poland to PCDDs, PCDFs and PCBs. The goal is to estimate cancer and non-cancer health risks due to the consumption of foods of animal origin. The area has relatively higher concentration of PCDDs, PCDFs and PCBs in the air in comparison to large industrialized cities of the Silesia province. Three popular foods of animal origin, namely free-range chicken meat, free-range chicken eggs, and cow milk produced in the farms were used. The control samples were the same foods from the local grocery stores. Two exposure scenarios were considered: Firstly that residents consumed free-range foods and secondly that the food items were purchased from stores in the study area. In the first scenario, exposure to concentrations of PCDDs, PCDFs, and dioxin-like PCBs (dl-PCBs) yielded evidence of elevated cancer and non-cancer risks. The hazard quotient (HQ) was 71.3 for non-cancer risk and 7.5 × 10^-3 for cancer risk. The health risk from exposure to PCDDs, PCDFs and dl-PCBs in the second scenario was 6.9 × 10^-4 and HQ = 0.8, respectively. Implementation of educational activities in the study area is needed to increase the resident's awareness of the risks associated with the emissions of chlorinated persistent organic pollutants to the environment, including aspects such as the main sources of the emission and how to avoid exposure to these compounds.

Food contamination by PCBs and waste disposal crisis: Evidence from goat milk in Campania (Italy)

AIM

The study aims at investigating whether, and if so, to what extent the strong presence of urban and industrial waste in a territory may cause PCB contamination in goat milk produced therein.

METHODS

We compared PCB concentrations in goat milk from three different locations in the Campania region (Italy). One of the three locations, together with its surrounding area, has long suffered from illegal waste disposal and burning mainly by the so-called Ecomafia. The other locations, not involved in these illegal activities, allowed us to create a control group of goats with characteristics very similar to those of main interest.

RESULTS

In milk from the waste contaminated area we identified high PCB concentrations (six indicator PCBs amounted to 170 ng g^-1 on lipid weight, on average), whereas there was an almost total absence of such pollutants in milk from the control group. Concentrations of the six indicator PCBs were above the current European maximum residue limit fixed by the EU. At the same time, we found a lower average value of lipid content and a negative relationship between lipid content and PCB concentrations.

CONCLUSION

Evidence indicates the potential health risk for consumers living in areas involved in illegal dumping of waste.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) residues in commercial pasteurized cows' milk in Tehran, Iran

BACKGROUND

To date, despite the facts that pasteurized milk is the most consumed dairy product in Iran and its consumption has increased almost two fold during the last 10 years, no data are available concerning the concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in commercial cow milk in Iran market.

METHODS

This study designed to determine the levels of PCBs in these products and to assess population exposure to PCBs by estimating the daily intakes. Pasteurized cows' milk samples (10 brands) were collected from local markets at two different seasons and analyzed using sensitive and reliable methods.

RESULTS

Based on the results all the indicator PCBs were detected and quantified in all of the samples, the mean ± SD concentration for the sum of the six congeners was 18.92 ± 14.36 ng g^-1 fat. None of the samples surpassed the provisional value established by the EU of 40 ng g^-1 fat. The sum of dioxin-like congeners, expressed as WHO-TEQ was 0.492 pg/g of fat which was considerably lower than the defined limit 3 pg/g fat, set for cow's milk. Furthermore, a similar DL-PCBs profile as other studies was found for analyzed samples. The results indicated that concentrations of DL-PCBs were very low, and all of milk samples were compliant with EC legislation. In addition, seasonal variations were not observed for DL- and NDL-PCBs levels (p values >0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The estimated dietary intake for target population was 0.06 pg TEQ/kg of body weight/day, much smaller than the amounts declared by the World Health Organization as tolerable daily intake.

Interaction of mammary bovine ABCG2 with AFB1 and its metabolites and regulation by PCB 126 in a MDCKII in vitro model

The ATP-binding cassette efflux transporter ABCG2 plays a key role in the mammary excretion of drugs and toxins in humans and animals. Aflatoxins (AF) are worldwide contaminants of food and feed commodities, while PCB 126 is a dioxin-like PCB which may contaminate milk and dairy products. Both compounds are known human carcinogens. The interactions between AF and bovine ABCG2 (bABCG2) as well as the effects of PCB 126 on its efflux activity have been investigated by means of the Hoechst H33342 transport assay in MDCKII cells stably expressing mammary bABCG2. Both AFB1 and its main milk metabolite AFM1 showed interaction with bABCG2 even at concentrations approaching the legal limits in feed and food commodities. Moreover, PCB 126 significantly enhanced bABCG2 functional activity. Specific inhibitors of either AhR (CH233191) or ABCG2 (Ko143) were able to reverse the PCB 126-induced increase in bABCG2 transport activity, showing the specific upregulation of the efflux protein by the AhR pathway. The incubation of PCB 126-pretreated cells with AFM1 was able to substantially reverse such effect, with still unknown mechanism(s). Overall, results from this study point to AFB1 and AFM1 as likely bABCG2 substrates. The PCB 126-dependent increased activity of the transporter could enhance the ABCG2-mediated excretion into dairy milk of chemicals (i.e., drugs and toxins) potentially harmful to neonates and consumers.

Phyto-rhizoremediation of polychlorinated biphenyl contaminated soils: An outlook on plant-microbe beneficial interactions

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are toxic chemicals, recalcitrant to degradation, bioaccumulative and persistent in the environment, causing adverse effects on ecosystems and human health. For this reason, the remediation of PCB-contaminated soils is a primary issue to be addressed. Phytoremediation represents a promising tool for in situ soil remediation, since the available physico-chemical technologies have strong environmental and economic impacts. Plants can extract and metabolize several xenobiotics present in the soil, but their ability to uptake and mineralize PCBs is limited due to the recalcitrance and low bioavailability of these molecules that in turn impedes an efficient remediation of PCB-contaminated soils. Besides plant degradation ability, rhizoremediation takes into account the capability of soil microbes to uptake, attack and degrade pollutants, so it can be seen as the most suitable strategy to clean-up PCB-contaminated soils. Microbes are in fact the key players of PCB degradation, performed under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. In the rhizosphere, microbes and plants positively interact. Microorganisms can promote plant growth under stressed conditions typical of polluted soils. Moreover, in this specific niche, root exudates play a pivotal role by promoting the biphenyl catabolic pathway, responsible for microbial oxidative PCB metabolism, and by improving the overall PCB degradation performance. Besides rhizospheric microbial community, also the endophytic bacteria are involved in pollutant degradation and represent a reservoir of microbial resources to be exploited for bioremediation purposes. Here, focusing on plant-microbe beneficial interactions, we propose a review of the available results on PCB removal from soil obtained combining different plant and microbial species, mainly under simplified conditions like greenhouse experiments. Furthermore, we discuss the potentiality of "omics" approaches to identify PCB-degrading microbes, an aspect of paramount importance to design rhizoremediation strategies working efficiently under different environmental conditions, pointing out the urgency to expand research investigations to field scale.

Automated milk fat extraction for the analyses of persistent organic pollutants

We have utilized an automated acid hydrolysis technology, followed by an abbreviated Soxhlet extraction technique to obtain fat from whole milk for the determination of persistent organic pollutants, namely polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, polychlorinated dibenzofurans and polychlorinated biphenyls. The process simply involves (1) pouring the liquid milk into the hydrolysis beaker with reagents and standards, (2) drying the obtained fat on a filter paper and (3) obtaining pure fat via the modified Soxhlet extraction using 100mL of hexane per sample. This technique is in contrast to traditional manually intense liquid-liquid extractions and avoids the preparatory step of freeze-drying the samples for pressurized liquid extractions. Along with these extraction improvements, analytical results closely agree between the methods, thus no quality has been compromised. The native spike (n=12) and internal standard (n=24) precision and accuracy results are within EPA Methods 1613 and 1668 limits. While the median (n=6) Toxic Equivalency Quotient (TEQ) for polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/polychlorinated dibenzofurans and the concentration of the marker polychlorinated biphenyls show a percent difference of 1% and 12%, respectively, compared to 315 previously analyzed milk samples at the same laboratory using liquid-liquid extraction. During our feasibility studies, both egg and fish tissue show substantial promise using this technique as well.