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Ochratoxin A

Level 5High concernIn Winter's Dictionary

Ochratoxin A is a other — Toxin (mycotoxin) produced by Aspergillus species; contaminant of foods

Also: OTA

What it does

Toxin (mycotoxin) produced by Aspergillus species; contaminant of foods

Where you'll see it

improperly stored grains, pork products, coffee, wine grapes, dried grapes; human blood and breast milk

What the research says

Potentially carcinogenic to humans. Causes immunosuppression and immunotoxicity. Kidney damage. One of the most abundant food-contaminating mycotoxins worldwide.

Regulatory status

  • Notes: JECFA retained PTWI of 100 ng/kg bw

Sources

  • A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives (Winter): It is potentially carcinogenic to humans and can cause immunosuppression and immunotoxicity