Ochratoxin

Chemical formula for Ochratoxin A, C20H18ClNO6
Molecular Weight: 403.81 g/mol

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a para-chlorophenolic mycotoxin produced by the mold fungi of the Aspergillus and Penicillium species.

The mold toxin is extremely harmful to the health of humans and animals. In addition to the pronounced nephrotoxicity, ochratoxin A also have hepatotoxic, teratogenic, carcinogenic and immunosuppressive characteristics. Humans and animals can be exposed via the diet. The principal source of ochratoxins is cereal grains, including barley, rye, wheat, corn, sorghum, and oats, as well as coffee beans and grapes, including wine and raisins.

Limit values are regulated differently in each country and are defined as 5 µg/kg for unprocessed grain, as 2 µg/kg for wine, or as 0.5 µg/kg for maximum occurrence in infant formula.

A list of currently available CD Ochratoxin products can be downloaded here.