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Current importance of ochratoxin A-producing Aspergillus spp
M L Abarca1, F Accensi, M R Bragulat
1Departament de Sanitat i d'Anatomia Animals (Microbiologia), Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain. Lourdes.Abarca@uab.es
Journal of Food Protection
|June 14, 2001
Summary
Ochratoxin A (OA), a toxin harmful to humans and animals, is increasingly found in diverse foods like coffee and milk. Its production by Aspergillus species is more widespread than previously understood, posing new contamination risks.
Area of Science:
- Food safety and toxicology
- Mycology
- Public health
Background:
- Ochratoxin A (OA) is a significant mycotoxin posing risks to human and animal health.
- While contamination of cereals and meats is known, OA is increasingly detected in coffee, beer, wine, grape juice, and milk.
- Elevated OA levels in human blood and milk indicate widespread human exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the expanding range of food commodities contaminated with Ochratoxin A.
- To update the understanding of Aspergillus species capable of producing Ochratoxin A.
- To underscore the potential for novel sources of Ochratoxin A contamination.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature on Ochratoxin A contamination.
- Analysis of reported Ochratoxin A occurrence in various food products.
- Examination of updated taxonomic and metabolic data on Ochratoxin A-producing fungi.
Main Results:
- Ochratoxin A contamination is increasingly reported in a wider array of food products beyond traditional commodities.
- Fungal species outside the Aspergillus section Circumdati, including Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus carbonarius (section Nigri), are confirmed OA producers.
- The ability of Aspergillus species to produce OA is more extensive than previously recognized.
Conclusions:
- The spectrum of foods contaminated with Ochratoxin A has broadened, necessitating wider surveillance.
- The identification of new Ochratoxin A-producing Aspergillus species expands the potential sources of this mycotoxin.
- Increased awareness of fungal OA production is crucial for mitigating public health risks.