Review of the occurrence of ochratoxigenic fungal species and ochratoxin A in some agricultural products

Abstract

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is one of the most important and widespread fungal toxic metabolites, which has been detected in our country for years in feed and food, mostly originated from plants. It is a very important contaminant of the plant food commodities in nephropathic areas of the Balkan and Mediterranean countries, but also in other countries in Europe and worldwide. This paper reviews the occurrence of OTA-producing fungi and OTA in some agricultural products (fresh fruits, dried fruits, fruit juices and other fruit products, vegetable products, wine, vinegar, cereals, mill products, etc.).