Risk estimation for ochratoxin A in European countries

Ochratoxin A is a mycotoxin produced by fungi occurring frequently on cereals. Their growth, and the associated toxin production, are closely correlated to the degree of moisture to which they are exposed, which itself is dependent on weather conditions at harvest and techniques for drying and storage. Eighteen species of fungi found in foods can produce ochratoxin A; all of these also produce other mycotoxins. The distribution of these mycotoxins in foods, which probably differs according to climate, has not yet been studied. The lowest doses of ochratoxin A that are toxic in experimental animals are four to five times higher than those found even in hyperendemic regions. This finding casts doubt on the hypothesis that ochratoxin A is the sole cause of Balkan endemic nephropathy and renal tumours. It is therefore not possible to estimate the risk from this mycotoxin for Europe or for individual European countries. Data on the occurrence of both ochratoxin A and other toxins and on the quantities consumed should be collected systematically; these can then be used to assess post-harvest techniques.