August 22, 2007

USDA to begin study on dioxin levels in US meat

The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) will begin conducting its Dioxin 08 survey next month. 

The study, to be conducted 4 September, 2007, would be held in conjunction with the Agricultural Research Service and would determine dioxin levels in meat and poultry products in the US.

Over a 12-18 month period, 500 samples will be collected from steers, heifers, hogs and young chicken and turkey from randomly selected, federally inspected establishments for testing. This would determine if dioxin levels are still low in meat and whether measures are necessary to reduce its levels.