A survey on occurrence of ochratoxin A in the kidneys of slaughtered pigs in the Czech Republic during the years 2012–2021

Abstract

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin produced by several moulds of Aspergillus and Penicillium genera on many agricultural commodities used for feed production. It is primarily a nephrotoxic substance, but it can also cause immunosuppression in pigs and increase their susceptibility to infections. Porcine mycotoxic nephropathy (PMN) is a chronic poisoning associated with OTA exposure. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the content of OTA in pig kidneys which were examined during the regular monitoring of the safety and quality of food of animal origin in the Czech Republic during the years 2012–2021. Results revealed no differences between the monitored years or age categories and no differences between the year seasons, which could have an influence on the storage conditions and thus feed contamination by moulds. The values found in this study are low and similar to those assessed in several studies performed in other European countries and do not exceed the limits set in their legislation, which means these organs do not pose a risk for consumers and do not indicate PMN in monitored pigs. Czech Republic as well as EU legislation do not regulate OTA levels in the food of animal origin yet.