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Ochratoxin A in Human Milk From the MIREC Study
Iulia Popa1,2, The Minh Luong3, Tye E Arbuckle4
1Bureau of Chemical Safety, Health Canada, Food Research Division, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada.
Journal of AOAC International
|May 28, 2025
Summary
Ochratoxin A (OTA) was detected in most human milk samples, but levels were below safety limits for infant formula. This suggests minimal risk to infants from OTA exposure through breast milk.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
- Public Health
Background:
- Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin found in various foods.
- Lactating mothers consuming OTA-contaminated foods can transfer exposure to infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess infant exposure to Ochratoxin A (OTA) through human milk.
- To quantify OTA levels in human milk samples from the MIREC Human Milk Study.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 494 human milk samples using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).
- Collection of milk samples through the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) Human Milk Study.
Main Results:
- The mean OTA concentration was 7.32 ± 9.25 ng/L.
- OTA was detected in 79% of samples, with levels ranging from 4.5-192 ng/L.
- Higher OTA levels correlated with increased consumption of cottage cheese, hot cereal, and whole-grain bread.
Conclusions:
- Detected OTA concentrations in human milk are below Health Canada's safety threshold for infant formula.
- OTA levels in human milk are unlikely to pose a health risk to infants.
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