Ochratoxin A residues in tissues of slaughter pigs with nephropathy

Kidneys showing nephropathy changes were collected from slaughtered pigs at seven slaughterhouses in various districts of Denmark. Levels of ochratoxin A residues greater than 2 microgram/kg were detected in 21 out of 60 kidneys (35%). Ochratoxin A residues in liver, muscular and adipose tissues were calculated on the basis of the kidney concentration. Although the 21 kidneys containing ochratoxin A were condemned, the carcasses passed the meat inspection. Routinely only a small fraction of pigs exhibits nephropathy changes at slaughter, but the results of this study provide indirect evidence for a limited occurrence of ochratoxin A residues in commercial meat.