Diversity of Ochratoxin A in Ready-To-Eat Foods in Nigeria

Abstract

Grains or cereals have been proven to be fed on world-wide either directly or processed into ready to-eat foods and have been confirmed to be contaminated with toxins including ochratoxin A (OTA). Ochratoxins are assemblages of mycotoxins formed by few Aspergillus species (especially A. ochraceus and A. carbonarius, however additionally via 33% of A. niger commercial strains) and few Penicillium species, particularly P. verrucosum as storage species. Several investigations showed that Ochratoxin A can cause human and animal health disorder while infected plant and animal merchandise are being expended into the system. Several research have linked OTA with human illnesses such as Chronic Interstitial Nephropathy (CIN), Balkan Endemic Nephropathy (BEN), and renal illness. This review focused on the condition for formation of OTA in distinctive commodities, effects of Ochratoxin A on animal health, human fitness, food and feeds, detection of Ochratoxin A, Ochratoxin A producers and problems related to mycotoxin studies in Nigeria. Recommendations on viable control techniques to reduce trading of mycotoxin meal and feeds were made including proper agricultural practices and proper storage centers, designing of common mycoflora and mycotoxin surveys. There is need to sensitize the public on diseases and mycotoxins associated with ready to eat foods.