Ochratoxin (OTA) assay

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

Importance of ochratoxin dosage

The dosage of ochratoxins, and in particular ochratoxin A, is essential for:

• Ensure regulatory compliance of food products.
• Prevent health risks linked to chronic consumption.
• Evaluate the quality of agricultural raw materials (cereals, coffee, dried fruits, spices, plant extracts).
• Secure production chains and strengthen consumer confidence.

Available analytical methods

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

• LC-MS/MS : reference method, offering high precision and a very low detection limit, ideal for complex matrices.
• HPLC-DAD or HPLC-FLD : widely used for the determination of ochratoxin A in foodstuffs.
• ELISA : rapid and effective 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

The 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 herbal medicine.

Current regulations

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

Industrial applications

• Food industry : 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.
• Phytotherapy and medicinal plants : quality certification of products for safe use.

Additional analyses

The ochratoxin assay can be combined with other mycotoxins to ensure a complete view of the contaminant risk, such as aflatoxins ( aflatoxin assay ), patulin ( patulin assay ) or fumonisin ( fumonisin assay) . YesWeLab supports you in setting up a comprehensive control plan adapted to your 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 level of sensitivity required. Our scientific team provides personalized support, from defining your needs to delivering results.

Since 2020, numerous manufacturers, distributors, and design offices have trusted us to manage their analyses. Our digital platform allows you to easily submit your samples, track progress, and centralize your analytical results.

Ochratoxin testing, particularly ochratoxin A, is an essential step in ensuring the safety of the agri-food and nutraceutical industries. Thanks to cutting-edge analytical methods and tailored scientific support, YesWeLab helps you manage your risks and ensure the compliance of your products.