The evaluation of dioxin and dioxin-like contaminants in selected food samples obtained from the Belgian market: comparison of TEQ measurements obtained through the CALUX bioassay with congener specific chemical analyses.

A limited number of different foods were analysed for dioxin-like compounds by the CALUX bioassay which is an in vitro luciferase reporter gene assay measuring chemical activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor. Sixty-two milk samples were obtained from a surveillance campaign, 34 meat samples and 34 fishery products were purchased from the Belgian market. Bio-analytical and chemo-analytical dioxin toxicity equivalents (TEQ) values of the same milk samples were compared.