Investigating PCBs and OCPs in Lebanese Yogurt: National Contamination Patterns and Health Risk Assessment
2025
Sandra Sarkis | Jean Claude Assaf | Mantoura Nakad | Tony Tannous | Mireille Harmouche-Karaki | Khalil Helou | Joseph Matta
This study investigates the presence of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in 165 yogurt samples collected from farms across 11 Lebanese regions. As the first nationwide assessment of these contaminants in yogurt, it addresses a critical gap in Lebanon&rsquo:s food safety monitoring. Levels of PCBs, &Sigma:DDTs, &Sigma:HCH, HCB, endosulfan, methoxychlor, and dieldrin were quantified, revealing widespread contamination. A total of 40.6% of samples recorded total PCB concentrations exceeding European maximum residue limits (MRLs), with a national mean of 39.26 ng/g fat. Keserwan, and North and South Lebanon showed the highest PCB contamination, likely linked to thermal power generation activities. For OCPs, mean concentrations of all tested compounds exceeded their respective MRLs across all regions. Levels of &Sigma:DDTs surpassed the MRL in 100% of samples with the highest mean concentration at 376.79 ng/g fat, followed by endosulfan (70.32 ng/g fat) and &beta:-HCH (65.32 ng/g fat). Elevated OCP levels were especially noted in Bekaa, Baalbek-Hermel, and South and North Lebanon, likely reflecting intensive agricultural practices and the ongoing use of contaminants. Estimated daily intakes (EDIs) indicated potential dietary exposure risks, particularly from PCBs, &Sigma:DDTs, and &Sigma:HCH. These findings underscore the urgent need for regulatory oversight and national food safety monitoring to ensure public health protection.
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