Ochratoxin A (OTA) Testing in Food and Feed

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin produced primarily by certain species of Aspergillus and Penicillium. Unlike many Fusarium toxins that develop predominantly in the field, OTA is often associated with storage conditions, although field contamination can also occur.
OTA may contaminate a wide range of agricultural commodities used in both food and feed production. It is chemically stable and can persist during storage and processing if contaminated raw materials are used.

Ochratoxin A has a broad commodity profile and has been detected in:
‣ Cereals and cereal-based products
‣ Coffee beans
‣ Dried fruits
‣ Wine and grape products
‣ Spices
‣ Cocoa
‣ Animal feed ingredients
In feed systems, OTA may be present in cereal fractions and stored raw materials where moisture control is inadequate.
Poor drying, high humidity and extended storage periods increase the risk of fungal growth and OTA production. Because contamination does not consistently correlate with visible mould, analytical testing is required to determine toxin levels.

Ochratoxin A primarily affects kidney function and is recognised for its nephrotoxic effects.
In animals, exposure may result in:
‣ Reduced growth performance
‣ Kidney damage
‣ Impaired immune function
‣ Reduced productivity
Monogastric species, particularly pigs and poultry, are more sensitive to OTA than ruminants.
In humans, chronic dietary exposure to OTA has been associated with kidney toxicity and potential carcinogenic effects. Regulatory limits are therefore established in many jurisdictions to control long-term intake.

OTA contamination may occur during storage, making monitoring of stored raw materials particularly important.
Quantitative laboratory testing supports:
‣ Verification of compliance with food and feed regulations
‣ Protection of consumer health
‣ Monitoring of imported commodities such as coffee and dried fruits
‣ Risk assessment of stored grains and feed ingredients
‣ Supplier verification and quality assurance programmes
Multi-mycotoxin LC-MS/MS methods enable simultaneous detection of OTA alongside other regulated toxins, providing broader contamination assessment.

Effective control of OTA relies on:
‣ Proper drying immediately after harvest
‣ Strict moisture control during storage
‣ Prevention of fungal growth in warehouses and silos
‣ Routine monitoring of high-risk commodities
‣ Representative sampling and validated analytical testing
Given its association with storage conditions and internationally traded commodities, proactive OTA monitoring is essential for maintaining food and feed safety standards.