Ochratoxin A (OTA) assay

Ochratoxins are a family of mycotoxins produced by certain mold species, notably Aspergillus and Penicillium . Among them, ochratoxin A (OTA) is the most studied due to its high toxicity. Classified as a probable human carcinogen by the IARC (Group 2B), it also exhibits nephrotoxic and immunotoxic effects. Its presence in the food chain constitutes a major food safety concern, justifying the implementation of strict regulatory thresholds at the European level.

Importance of ochratoxin testing

Measuring ochratoxin levels, and in particular ochratoxin A, is essential for:

• Ensuring regulatory compliance of food products.
• Preventing health risks associated with chronic consumption.
• Evaluate the quality of agricultural raw materials (cereals, coffee, dried fruits, spices, plant extracts).
• Securing production chains and strengthening consumer confidence.

Available analytical methods

The choice of method depends on the type of matrix and the sensitivity requirements:

• LC-MS/MS : reference method, offering high accuracy and a very low detection limit, ideal for complex matrices.
• HPLC-DAD or HPLC-FLD : widely used for the determination of ochratoxin A in food products.
• ELISA : a fast and efficient method for routine screening or frequent checks.

These techniques can be applied alone or in a complementary manner to ensure reliable quantification that complies with international standards.

Affected matrices

Risk matrices are numerous and justify regular analytical monitoring:

• Agricultural products : cereals, coffee beans, raisins, spices.
• Processed products : flours, animal feed, food supplements.
• Plant extracts and ingredients used in nutraceuticals and phytotherapy.

Current regulations

The European Union has defined maximum levels of ochratoxin A for various products (Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 and its amendments). YesWeLab's partner laboratories use validated methods that comply with international requirements, guaranteeing the reliability of the results and their conformity to standards.

Industrial applications

• Agri-food : securing batches of raw materials and controlling finished products.
• Nutraceuticals : validation of the absence of contamination in plant extracts intended for food supplements.
• Animal nutrition : monitoring the safety of livestock feed to prevent transmission in the food chain.
• Herbal medicine and medicinal plants : product quality certification for safe use.

Additional analyses

Ochratoxin testing can be combined with testing for other mycotoxins to provide a comprehensive view of contamination risk, such as aflatoxins ( aflatoxin testing ), patulin ( patulin testing ), or fumonisin ( fumonisin testing) . YesWeLab assists you in implementing a comprehensive control plan tailored to your specific matrices.

YesWeLab expertise

At YesWeLab, we collaborate with a carefully selected network of laboratories, most of which are certified and/or accredited (ISO 17025, COFRAC, etc.). Each request is directed to the most suitable partner, based on the matrix, method, and required sensitivity level. Our scientific team provides personalized support, from defining your needs to delivering the results.

Since 2020, numerous manufacturers, distributors, and engineering firms have entrusted us with the management of their analyses. Our digital platform allows you to easily submit your samples, track progress, and centralize your analytical results.

Ochratoxin testing, particularly for ochratoxin A, is a crucial step in ensuring the safety of the agri-food and nutraceutical supply chains. Through cutting-edge analytical methods and tailored scientific support, YesWeLab helps you manage your risks and guarantee the compliance of your products.