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ORAL PRESENTATION / SÖZLÜ SUNUM

Persistent Organic Pollutants in Raw Milk (2015–2025):
An International Comparative Literature Review

Gül BANU ÇİÇEK BİDECİ

Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Kastamonu, TÜRKİYE

Correspound Author: gulbanu.cicekbideci@tarimorman.gov.tr

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are toxic compounds that can persist in the
environment for long periods, bioaccumulate through the food chain, and pose serious risks

to human health. Raw milk is a key food item in the transfer of these pollutants to humans.

This study aims to review field research conducted between 2015 and 2025 on POPs in raw
milk, present the current status, and compare the findings at an international level. A

literature search was performed in the Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar
databases using the keywords “persistent organic pollutants” and “raw milk.” Inclusion

criteria were studies published between 2015 and 2025 that contained field data and were
conducted on raw milk samples. The findings were analyzed in terms of sample source,

analytical methods used, detection limits, concentration levels, and comparison with
regulatory limits. Among the most frequently reported POPs in the literature are

polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB-28, PCB-52, PCB-101) and organochlorine pesticides (DDT
derivatives, HCH isomers). While similar congener and pesticide profiles have been reported

in European Union countries, average levels are generally lower. In some neighboring

countries, levels were found to be similar or higher. GC-ECD and GC-MS/MS were the most
commonly used analytical methods, with detection limits and sample preparation

techniques varying across countries. The findings indicate that in some regions, pollutants
have been reported at levels that may pose a risk to public health. The international

comparison shows that some regions remain below EU standards and that methodological
differences make direct comparisons difficult. The adoption of standardized methods and

the implementation of regular national monitoring programs are of critical importance for
food safety and public health.

Keywords: Persistent organic pollutants, raw milk, food safety, public health.

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