Ochratoxin

Reliable tests for the detection of ochratoxin in food

Analytes

Ochratoxin: Monitoring and analysis

Importance of monitoring ochratoxin A (OTA)

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin produced by mold fungi of the Aspergillus and Penicillium species. OTA poses significant health risks to humans and animals due to its nephrotoxic, hepatotoxic, teratogenic, carcinogenic, and immunosuppressive properties.

Common sources and effects of ochratoxin

Ochratoxin A is predominantly found in grains, nuts, legumes, coffee, spices, and dried fruit if these foods were not sufficiently dried before storage. However, it can also contaminate animal products, as the toxin accumulates in the organs of animals fed contaminated feed, leading to significant economic losses in livestock. OTA has been detected in pigs’ blood and kidneys, as well as in human blood and breast milk. In humans, OTA is associated with Danubian endemic familial nephropathy, a condition prevalent in regions with high OTA concentrations in grains and cereals.

Regulatory compliance and consumer protection

Ochratoxin limit values are established for a broad range of foods. Specifically, for pepper products (including chili powder, cayenne pepper, and paprika seasoning), the limit value was initially set at 30 μg/kg and later reduced to 15 μg/kg. Regular monitoring and analysis are essential to ensure that food products comply with these limits and protect consumer health.

Analytical solutions for ochratoxin detection

The R-Biopharm Group has over 20 years of experience in researching and producing mycotoxin test kits, offering various test formats to meet the food industry’s needs. These include:

  • RIDASCREEN® ELISA tests: For the screening and quantification of ochratoxin A in different samples.
  • OCHRACARD® screening cards: For rapid detection of ochratoxin A.
  • Immunoaffinity columns (OCHRAPREP®): Used with HPLC to purify complex and strongly colored food samples, such as spices. This process concentrates the mycotoxin to achieve highly sensitive and accurate test results.

Key benefits of ochratoxin monitoring

  • Consumer protection: Ensures food products are safe for consumption by detecting and quantifying ochratoxin contamination.
  • Animal health: Protects livestock from the adverse effects of OTA-contaminated feed, improving animal welfare and productivity.
  • Regulatory compliance: Helps manufacturers comply with food safety regulations, preventing legal and economic repercussions.
  • Quality assurance: Maintains the integrity and safety of food products by preventing the distribution of contaminated items.
  • Advanced detection methods: Utilizes reliable and efficient analytical platforms for the accurate monitoring of ochratoxin levels in various food products.

Conclusion

Monitoring ochratoxin A (OTA) is crucial for protecting human and animal health, ensuring regulatory compliance, and maintaining the quality of food products. By employing advanced detection methods, manufacturers can accurately identify and quantify OTA contamination, ensuring the safety of their products. This proactive approach supports robust quality control processes, upholds food safety standards, and fosters consumer trust in food products.

Product portfolio

ProductDescriptionNo. of tests/amountArt. No.
OCHRACARD

A qualitative screening card for detection of ochratoxin A at various levels in food and feed commodities.

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10 cards containing 20 tests and controls RBRP48
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ProductDescriptionNo. of tests/amountArt. No.
EuroProxima Ochratoxin A

EuroProxima Ochratoxin A is a competitive enzyme immunoassay for quantitative analysis of ochratoxin A in corn, wheat, red wine, white wine, must, roasted coffee, instant coffee, green coffee, cocoa, figs and raisins.

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Microtiter plate with 96 wells (12 strips with 8 wells each). 5121OTA
RIDASCREEN® Ochratoxin A 30/15

RIDASCREEN® Ochratoxin A 30/15 is a competitive enzyme immunoassay for the quantitative analysis of ochratoxin A in corn, wheat, barley, rye, rice and feed.

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Microtiter plate with 96 wells (12 strips with 8 wells each). R1312
RIDASCREEN®FAST Ochratoxin A

RIDASCREEN®FAST Ochratoxin A is a competitive enzyme immunoassay for the quantitative analysis of ochratoxin A in corn, wheat, barley, oats (grains) and feed.

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Microtiter plate with 48 wells (6 strips with 8 wells each) R5402
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ProductDescriptionNo. of tests/amountArt. No.
EuroProxima Ochratoxin-A in green coffee flow-through assay

EuroProxima Ochratoxin-A in green coffee flow-through assay is a competitive flow through rapid immune assay for a fast and simple screening of ochratoxin A in green coffee beans.

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Flow through rapid tests. 10 devices per kit. All reagents are supplied. 5127OTACG
RIDA®QUICK Ochratoxin ECO

RIDA®QUICK Ochratoxin ECO is a quantitative immunochromatographic test in strip format for the quantitative determination of ochratoxin in corn and wheat.

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20 x test strips R5404
EuroProxima Ochratoxin-A in roasted coffee flow-through assay

EuroProxima Ochratoxin-A in roasted coffee flow-through assay is a competitive flow through rapid immune assay for a fast and simple screening of ochratoxin A in roasted coffee.

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Flow through rapid tests. 10 devices per kit. All reagents are supplied. 5127OTACR
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ProductDescriptionNo. of tests/amountArt. No.
IMMUNOPREP® ONLINE OCHRATOXIN

Online immunoaffinity cartridges used in conjunction with the CHRONECT Symbiosis RIDA®CREST system for the automated clean-up and analysis of ochratoxin A prior to HPLC or LC-MS/MS.

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RBRP901/48: 48 cartridges,
RBRP901: 96 cartridges
RBRP901 / RBRP901/48
OCHRAPREP®

Immunoaffinity columns for use in conjunction with HPLC or LC-MS/MS for detection of ochratoxin A in a wide range of commodities.

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10 columns (3 ml format) (RBRP14)
50 columns (3 ml format) (RBRP14B)
500 columns (3ml format) (RBRP14/500)
RBRP14 / RBRP14B
RIDA® Ochratoxin A column

RIDA® Ochratoxin A column are immunoaffinity columns for sample clean up prior to analysis of Ochratoxin A in food and feed.

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10 immunoaffinity columns R1303
AFLAOCHRA PREP®

Multi-mycotoxin immunoaffinity columns for simultaneous detection of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, G2 and ochratoxin A in a wide range of commodities in conjunction with HPLC or LC-MS/MS.

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RBRP89: 10 immunoaffinity columns
(1 ml format),
RBRP89B: 50 immunoaffinity columns
(1 ml format)
RBRP89 / RBRP89B
AO ZON PREP®

Multi-mycotoxin immunoaffinity columns for simultaneous detection of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, G2, ochratoxin A and zearalenone in a wide range of commodities in conjunction with HPLC or LC-MS/MS.

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RBRP112: 10 immunoaffinity columns
(3 ml format),
RBRP112B: 50 immunoaffinity columns
(3 ml format)
RBRP112 / RBRP112B
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