Ochratoxin A
Monitoring ochratoxin A (OTA) is essential because this mycotoxin, produced by Aspergillus and Penicillium species, poses serious risks to human and animal health. OTA is known for its nephrotoxic, hepatotoxic, carcinogenic, teratogenic, and immunosuppressive effects, making it one of the most concerning mycotoxins in global food and feed production. Its ability to persist under common storage conditions further increases the likelihood of contamination across the supply chain.
Ochratoxin A is most commonly found in insufficiently dried grains, nuts, legumes, spices, coffee, and dried fruits. Improper drying or storage can create ideal conditions for fungal growth, allowing OTA to accumulate in these commodities. Contamination can also extend into animal-derived foods, as the toxin tends to accumulate in the organs of livestock that consume contaminated feed. This not only poses risks to human consumers but also results in economic losses for producers. OTA has been detected in pigs’ blood and kidneys, and even in human blood and breast milk. In affected regions, high OTA exposure is linked to Danubian endemic familial nephropathy, a chronic kidney disease observed in populations with elevated OTA levels in staple grains.
To protect public health, regulatory authorities have established strict limit values for OTA across a wide variety of food products. For example, the maximum allowable concentration for pepper products—including chili powder, cayenne pepper, and paprika seasoning—was initially set at 30 μg/kg before being reduced to 15 μg/kg, reflecting growing concern over OTA exposure from spices. Consistent monitoring and analysis are essential to ensure compliance with these regulatory thresholds and to prevent contaminated products from reaching consumers.
A range of analytical methods is available to support the accurate detection of ochratoxin A. With more than two decades of research and development, the R-Biopharm Group offers test formats suited to both rapid screening and detailed quantitative analysis. RIDASCREEN® ELISA tests provide sensitive, reliable quantification of OTA in various sample types, while OCHRACARD® screening cards offer quick, on-site detection. For highly complex or strongly colored foods like spices, OCHRAPREP® immunoaffinity columns are used in combination with HPLC to purify samples and concentrate the toxin, enabling highly accurate and sensitive measurements.
Monitoring OTA delivers several crucial benefits. It protects consumers by identifying contaminated foods early in production, ensuring only safe products enter the market. It also safeguards animal health by preventing the consumption of OTA-contaminated feed, thereby supporting livestock productivity and welfare. In addition, regular OTA analysis helps producers meet regulatory requirements, avoid legal or financial consequences, and maintain strong quality assurance practices. Advanced detection platforms further enhance reliability and efficiency, enabling precise monitoring across a diverse range of food matrices.
Overall, consistent monitoring of ochratoxin A is fundamental to maintaining safe and high-quality food systems. By adopting advanced analytical methods and robust quality control processes, manufacturers can effectively detect and manage OTA contamination. This proactive approach reinforces food safety standards, protects both human and animal health, and strengthens consumer confidence in the safety of food products.
Product Portfolio
Ordering Information
| Ref | Description | Number of Tests/Amount | |
|---|---|---|---|
| RBRP48 | OCHRACARD | 10 Cards / 20 Tests |
Ordering Information
| Ref | Description | Number of Tests/Amount | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5121OTA | EuroProxima Ochratoxin A | Microtitre Plate with 96 Wells (12 Strips with 8 Wells each) | |
| R1312 | RIDASCREEN® Ochratoxin A 30/15 | Microtitre Plate with 96 Wells (12 Strips with 8 Wells each) | |
| R5402 | RIDASCREEN®FAST Ochratoxin A | Microtitre Plate with 48 Wells (6 Strips with 8 Wells each) |
Ordering Information
| Ref | Description | Number of Tests/Amount | |
|---|---|---|---|
| R5404 | RIDA®QUICK Ochratoxin ECO | 20 x Test Strips |
Ordering Information
| Ref | Description | Number of Tests/Amount | |
|---|---|---|---|
| TC-QP2100-50 | QualiT Pure™ Multi-Ergot Alkaloid MS | 50 Columns (Syringe Format) | |
| TC-QP1100-50 | QualiT Pure™ Multi-tox MS | 50 Columns (Syringe Format) | |
| RBRP901 / RBRP901/48 | IMMUNOPREP® ONLINE OCHRATOXIN | RBRP901/48 : 48 Cartridges, RBRP901 : 96 Cartridges | |
| RBRP14 / RBRP14B | OCHRAPREP® | RBRP14 : 10 Columns (3mL Format) RBRP14B : 50 Columns (3mL Format) RBRP14/500 : 500 Columns (3mL Format) | |
| R1303 | RIDA® Ochratoxin A Column | 10 Immunoaffinity Columns | |
| RBRP89 / RBRP89B | AFLAOCHRA PREP® | RBRP89 : 10 Immunoaffinity Columns (1mL Format) RBRP89B: 50 Immunoaffinity Columns (1mL Format) | |
| RBRP112 / RBRP112B | AO ZON PREP® | RBRP112 : 10 Immunoaffinity Columns (3mL Format) RBRP112B : 50 Immunoaffinity Columns (3mL Format) |
