Abstract
Ochratoxin A (OTA) has been shown to be a potent nephrotoxic, hepatotoxic, and teratogenic compound. In farm animals, the intake of feed contaminated with OTA affects animal health and productivity, and may result in the presence of OTA in the animal products. Strategies for the control of OTA in food products require early identification and elimination of contaminated commodities from the food chain. However, current analytical protocols may fail to identify contaminated products, especially in animal feed. The present paper discusses the impact of OTA on human and animal health, with special emphasis on the potential risks of OTA residue in animal products, and control strategies applied in the feed industry.
Highlights
Ochratoxin A (OTA) is one of the several fungal mycotoxins that have aroused significant public concern worldwide
This article provides a review of the natural occurrence of OTA in animal feed, and an update of the human exposure to OTA contaminated food of animal origin, mitigation practices in the feed industry, and regulatory measures being taken in Europe
In an experiment in which we evaluated the toxic effects of OTA (OTA, 2 mg/kg of feed) in laying hen diets, OTA exposure promoted an increase in the content of OTA in the liver (15.1 μg/kg) as compared to control animals [20]
Summary
Ochratoxin A (OTA) is one of the several fungal mycotoxins that have aroused significant public concern worldwide. Epidemiological studies show that OTA may be involved in the pathogenesis of different forms of human nephropathies, including kidney cancer [1,2,3]. Tumor incidence data from long-term animal studies provides reasons for concern about the effect of OTA exposure on the human population. OTA was classified as a possible carcinogen (Group 2B) to humans by The. International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) [4]. The highest reported occurrence of OTA was found in cereal grains, and to a lower extent in other foodstuff of plant origin (i.e., wine, coffee, beer, spices and chocolate). Considering that mycotoxins can be transferred through the food chain, OTA can be found in tissues and products of animal origin, pork and poultry, and dairy products, among others [6,7]. This article provides a review of the natural occurrence of OTA in animal feed, and an update of the human exposure to OTA contaminated food of animal origin, mitigation practices in the feed industry, and regulatory measures being taken in Europe
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