Action thresholds 2. Action thresholds for Dioxin-like PCBs [sum of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) expressed in World Health Organisation (WHO) toxic equivalents, using the WHO-TEFs (toxic equivalency factors, 2005)]

Reference	Products intended for animal feed	ng/kg	Note
M16	Feed materials of plant origin	0.35	Upper-bound concentrations; upper-bound concentrations are calculated on the assumption that all values of the different congeners below the limit of quantification are equal to the limit of quantification. Identification of source of contamination. Once source is identified, take appropriate measures, where possible, to reduce or eliminate source of contamination.
M16	Feed materials of vegetable oils and their by-products	0.5	Upper-bound concentrations; upper-bound concentrations are calculated on the assumption that all values of the different congeners below the limit of quantification are equal to the limit of quantification. Identification of source of contamination. Once source is identified, take appropriate measures, where possible, to reduce or eliminate source of contamination.
M16	Feed materials of mineral origin	0.35	Upper-bound concentrations; upper-bound concentrations are calculated on the assumption that all values of the different congeners below the limit of quantification are equal to the limit of quantification. Identification of source of contamination. Once source is identified, take appropriate measures, where possible, to reduce or eliminate source of contamination.
M16	Feed materials of animal fat, including milk fat and egg fat	0.75	Upper-bound concentrations; upper-bound concentrations are calculated on the assumption that all values of the different congeners below the limit of quantification are equal to the limit of quantification. Identification of source of contamination. Once source is identified, take appropriate measures, where possible, to reduce or eliminate source of contamination.
M16	Feed materials of animal products including milk and milk products and eggs and egg products	0.35	Upper-bound concentrations; upper-bound concentrations are calculated on the assumption that all values of the different congeners below the limit of quantification are equal to the limit of quantification. Identification of source of contamination. Once source is identified, take appropriate measures, where possible, to reduce or eliminate source of contamination.
M16	Feed materials of fish oil	11	Upper-bound concentrations; upper-bound concentrations are calculated on the assumption that all values of the different congeners below the limit of quantification are equal to the limit of quantification. In many cases it might not be necessary to perform an investigation into the source of contamination as the background level in some areas is close to or above the action level. However, in cases where the action level is exceeded, all information, such as sampling period, geographical origin, fish species etc., shall be recorded with a view to future measures to manage the presence of dioxins and dioxin-like compounds in these materials for animal nutrition.
M16	Feed materials of fish, other aquatic animals and products derived thereof with the exception of fish oil and fish protein, hydrolysed, containing more than 20 % fat	2	Upper-bound concentrations; upper-bound concentrations are calculated on the assumption that all values of the different congeners below the limit of quantification are equal to the limit of quantification. In many cases it might not be necessary to perform an investigation into the source of contamination as the background level in some areas is close to or above the action level. However, in cases where the action level is exceeded, all information, such as sampling period, geographical origin, fish species etc., shall be recorded with a view to future measures to manage the presence of dioxins and dioxin-like compounds in these materials for animal nutrition.
M16	Feed materials of fish protein, hydrolysed, containing more than 20 % fat	5	Upper-bound concentrations; upper-bound concentrations are calculated on the assumption that all values of the different congeners below the limit of quantification are equal to the limit of quantification. In many cases it might not be necessary to perform an investigation into the source of contamination as the background level in some areas is close to or above the action level. However, in cases where the action level is exceeded, all information, such as sampling period, geographical origin, fish species etc., shall be recorded with a view to future measures to manage the presence of dioxins and dioxin-like compounds in these materials for animal nutrition.
M16	Feed additives belonging to the functional groups of binders and anti-caking agents	0.5	Upper-bound concentrations; upper-bound concentrations are calculated on the assumption that all values of the different congeners below the limit of quantification are equal to the limit of quantification. Identification of source of contamination. Once source is identified, take appropriate measures, where possible, to reduce or eliminate source of contamination.
M16	Feed additives belonging to the functional group of compounds of trace elements	0.35	Upper-bound concentrations; upper-bound concentrations are calculated on the assumption that all values of the different congeners below the limit of quantification are equal to the limit of quantification. Identification of source of contamination. Once source is identified, take appropriate measures, where possible, to reduce or eliminate source of contamination.
M16	Premixtures	0.35	Upper-bound concentrations; upper-bound concentrations are calculated on the assumption that all values of the different congeners below the limit of quantification are equal to the limit of quantification. Identification of source of contamination. Once source is identified, take appropriate measures, where possible, to reduce or eliminate source of contamination.
M16	Compound feed	0.5	Upper-bound concentrations; upper-bound concentrations are calculated on the assumption that all values of the different congeners below the limit of quantification are equal to the limit of quantification. Identification of source of contamination. Once source is identified, take appropriate measures, where possible, to reduce or eliminate source of contamination.
M16	Compound feed for pet animals and fish	2.5	Upper-bound concentrations; upper-bound concentrations are calculated on the assumption that all values of the different congeners below the limit of quantification are equal to the limit of quantification. In many cases it might not be necessary to perform an investigation into the source of contamination as the background level in some areas is close to or above the action level. However, in cases where the action level is exceeded, all information, such as sampling period, geographical origin, fish species etc., shall be recorded with a view to future measures to manage the presence of dioxins and dioxin-like compounds in these materials for animal nutrition.
M16	Compound feed for fur animals	-	Upper-bound concentrations; upper-bound concentrations are calculated on the assumption that all values of the different congeners below the limit of quantification are equal to the limit of quantification.