Persistent Organic Pollutants in Food

Dioxins and other persistent organic pollutants (POPs)

With our state-of-the-art systems and technical expertise, we can help you improve your workflows for the analysis of dioxins and other POPs, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs).

Contact us  Food analysis brochure


On this page


Which technology is right for analysis of persistent organic pollutants?

We provide a wide array of integrated solutions to meet the regulatory requirements for POPs analysis. Continual changes in POPs research and regulatory requirements drive the need for ever-lower limits of detection and quantitation for both known and unknown compounds.


Integrated workflow solution for dioxin, difuran, and dl-PCB analysis

The Thermo Scientific Dioxin Analyzer is an integrated, sample-to-result GC-MS/MS-based analytical workflow developed to deliver robust and sensitive quantitation of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDD), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDF) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs) in food and feed samples in compliance with the latest EU regulations (EU Regulation 664/2017). It features cost-effective, high sample throughput for monitoring maximum levels and action levels of dioxins/furans and dl-PCBs in foodstuffs and animal feeds.

The workflow includes the Thermo Scientific EXTREVA ASE Accelerated Solvent Extractor for fully automated sample extraction and concentration, a Thermo Scientific TraceGOLD TG-Dioxin Capillary GC column, a Thermo Scientific TSQ 9000 triple quadrupole GC-MS/MS system and Thermo Scientific Chromeleon Chromatography Data System for compliant-ready data processing and management.

Automated sample preparation

Fully automated extraction and evaporation to measure pollutants in dry foods and those with high fat content

Extract organic pollutants from solid and semisolid samples prior to POPs analysis using the Thermo Scientific EXTREVA ASE Accelerated Solvent Extractor. This fully automated sample prep system can extract and concentrate/evaporate up to 16 samples in parallel. Use our novel water-absorbing polymer Dionex ASE Prep MAP to expand the capabilities of the accelerated solvent extraction technique and extract analytes from samples containing up 85% water.

Chromatography columns and consumables

Featured resources

GC-MS solutions

Sensitive and robust GC-HRMS

  • Worldwide method compliance (e.g., EPA 1613)
  • Best dioxin installation spec
  • Highest available sensitivity
  • Robust-by-size with large volume ion source

The gold standard for analysis of dioxins and POPs, the Thermo Scientific DFS Magnetic Sector GC-HRMS is the only GC-MS specifically designed for dioxin and POPs analysis. The DFS GC-HRMS offers full compliance with any official dioxin, PCB or PBDE method (for example, EPA 1613, 1668, 1614) worldwide. Experience the benefits of highest available dioxin sensitivity delivered by our large-volume ion source to detect ultra-trace levels of organics.

GC-MS/MS for maximum uptime and scalability

  • Easy-to-use workflows including a dedicated dioxin analysis workflow
  • High sensitivity for routine analysis
  • Flexible method development

The Thermo Scientific TSQ 9000 GC-MS/MS offers unparalleled uptime and productivity thanks to patented technology, flexible method development, and powerful reporting tools. Our unique Advanced Electron Ion source enables extended robustness and industry-leading sensitivity, even for complex matrices. AutoSIM and Time-SIM tools facilitate method development.

Expanded analytical power with HRAM GC-MS

  • Power laboratory productivity
  • Ensure certainty in results
  • Achieve the highest resolution and mass accuracy

Deliver consistently accurate results in analytical testing with the Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Exploris GC Mass Spectrometer. Gain the flexibility to keep pace with ever-changing regulations and enable the highest confidence for emerging POPs research with unmatched performance in compound discovery, identification, and quantitation for comprehensive understanding of your samples.


POPs analysis learning materials

Featured videos about analysis of persistent organic pollutants

Instruments for environmental pollutants in food

Watch these videos to learn more about our food and beverage analytical solutions using the most comprehensive line of instruments, equipment, consumables, chemicals, reagents and software available. You can also visit the food and beverage video library.

Style Sheet for Global Design System
CMD Wide-format style fixes
Style Sheet for Komodo Tabs