[Ochratoxin A in foods for human consumption: review]

Ochratoxin A is a neurotoxic, immunosuppressive, genotoxic, carcinogenic and teratogenic mycotoxins present in human food, mainly cereals and cereals products, alcoholic beverages and mill products (coffee, cocoa). The levels of Ochratoxin A in food are closely related with the production and conservation conditions.

This review aims to assess the presence of OTA in different food groups, and to update the knowledge about its toxicity, mechanism of action, methods of analysis used for detection and quantification, and different aspects about regulations.

References and publications related to the mechanism of action, toxicity, analysis and regulations about OTA in foods were searched and selected based on inclusion criteria. MEDLINE/PubMed, Scielo, Science Direct, Ebscohost were used as databases.

The presence of OTA keeps on being observed in different food groups. The detected OTA levels are below those permitted by limits set by the regulations However, inadequate agrotechnological production practices and improper storage of foods remain as critical control points to avoid the toxic hazards resulting from human exposure to this toxin.

It's recommended to promote the correct use of agrotechnological practices for raw materials and processed products to reduce the concentration of OTA in foods and to avoid the toxicity resulting from the consumption of OTA contaminated foods.