Ochratoxin A-sources of exposure and risk assessment

抄録

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is known to occur throughout the food chain and has been predominantly found in cereal and products derived from cereals, coffee, beer, wine, dried fruits, spices, cocoa and nuts. Surveys carried out in several countries have demonstrated the presence of OTA in human blood and breast milk, indicating a permanent dietary exposure. Different hazard assessments based on carcinogenicity or nephrotoxicity led to Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI) values in the range of 1.2-14 ng OTA/kg b.w.. To estimate the intake of OTA from food, studies on the assessment of dietary intake of OTA were carried out in the recent years in European member states such as Germany and also for the entire European population. Twelve countries provided data on the occurrence of OTA in food products, on consumption of these food products and on occurrence of OTA in human blood and human milk. The exposure of the European consumers did not generally give rise to major health concerns. Evaluation of the dietary intakes revealed differences between countries and diets but showed that the intakes are quite below the TDI of 5 ng OTA/kg b.w. /day as suggested by the EU. Higher intakes approaching the TDI were noted for specific consumer groups, particular children, infants and babies. Public health measures therefore should focus on these groups of the population. The EU has set maximum limits for OTA of 5 μg/kg in raw cereal grains including rice and buckwheat, 3 μg/kg for derived cereal products or cereal grains for direct human consumption, and 10 μg/kg in dried vine fruits. Limits for other products are being considered. As most of the surveys represent the European situation and diet, it is difficult to transfer these data to other countries of the world. Thus, more surveys are needed in regions of the world other than Europe in order that intake in those regions may be assessed.