Abstract:Objective To collect data on concentrations of dioxins and their analogues in infant formula on Chinese market, and to provide scientific basis for further study. Methods A large-scale national survey on contamination of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, polychlorinated dibenzofurans(PCDD/Fs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls(dl-PCBs) in infant formula milk powder was conducted and 601 samples were collected across China. Seventeen congeners of PCDD/Fs and 12 dl-PCB congeners recommended by the World Health Organization(WHO) were determined according to the national standard method GB 5009.205-2013. Results The mean of concentrations of PCDD/Fs and total dioxins (PCDD/Fs plus dl-PCBs) were 0.07 and 0.10 pg TEQ/g respectively, within the range of 0.001-0.69 and 0.003-0.91 pg TEQ/g respectively. The concentrations were significantly lower than the maximum limit of dioxins in infant food recommended by the European Union. Conclusion The concentrations indicated the relative low level contamination of dioxins in infant formula milk powders in China. Further studies should be conducted to investigate the source of dioxins from typical regions of China, and improve the risk assessment, contamination control, reduction and legislation to protect the food safety and human health in China.