Toxigenic fungi associated with processed (green) coffee beans (Coffea arabica L.)

Processed (green) coffee beans from Coffea arabica in Brazil were assessed for the presence of Aspergillus and Penicillium species both before and after surface sterilisation, the aflatoxigenic and ochratoxigenic potential of the isolates and ochratoxin A levels. Contamination by Aspergillus and Penicillium species was found on 96% and 42%, respectively, of 45 samples from 11 localities. After disinfection with 1% sodium hypochlorite, the levels fell to 47% and 24%, respectively. One hundred and eighty isolates were identified to species level and comprised Aspergillus sections Circumdati (10 species), Flavi (3), Nigri (3), Versicolores (4), while two were teleomorphic species. Eight species of Penicillium were isolated. Within section Circumdati, 75% of the isolates produced ochratoxin A and all except Aspergillus elegans and Aspergillus insulicola have previously been reported to produce ochratoxin A. One-third of the 18 isolates of Aspergillus flavus produced aflatoxin B1 and B2. None of the isolates belonging to Aspergillus section Nigri or Penicillium produced ochratoxin A. Of the 40 bean samples analysed, 58% were infected with potentially ochratoxigenic fungi but only 22% of these were contaminated with ochratoxin A at levels that varied from 0.47 to 4.82 ng/g, with an average contamination level of 2.45 ng/g.     

Mycoflora and ochratoxin A producing strains of Aspergillus in Algerian wheat

Wheat is a basic staple food for very large segments of the population of Algeria. The aim of this study is to analyse ochratoxin A (OTA)-producing mould and OTA-contaminated wheat. To evaluate the mycoflora and the potential for OTA production by Aspergillus strains, a total of 85 samples of wheat destined for human consumption were collected from two regions in Algeria (Tizi Ouzou and Setif) during the following phases: preharvest, storage in silos, and after processing. The mean value counts of fungi ranged from 275 to 1277 CFU g(-1). The dominant genus was Aspergillus, predominantly A. flavus, A. niger and A. versicolor. The other isolated species were A. ochraceus, A. alliaceus, A. carbonarius, A. terreus, A. fumigatus, A. candidus and Aspergillus spp. The occurrence and the levels of the genus Penicillium, Fusarium, Alternaria and Mucor were substantially lower than those of Aspergillus. The storage in silos shows high levels of Aspergillus (66 to 84%), especially A. flavus, but A. niger and other fungi were isolated at relatively low percentages. Equal distribution of the fungal contamination into the bran, flour and semolina fractions was observed from Flour Mill and Semolina Mill. The genus Aspergillus remained present at high levels at several phases of the production process. In addition, the ability to produce OTA by 135 isolates belonging to eleven species of Aspergillus and 23 isolates of Penicillium spp. was analyzed using fluorescent detection-based HPLC. Thus, it was found that 51 isolates (32.3%) were ochratoxigenic. All isolated strains of A. ochraceus (12) and A. alliaceus (6) produced OTA at concentrations ranging from 0.23 to 11.50 microg g(-1). Most of the A. carbonarius strains (80%) were OTA producers (0.01 to 9.35 microg g(-1)), whereas A. terreus (50%), A. niger (28%), A. fumigatus (40%), A. versicolor (18%) and Penicillium spp. (21.7%) were low level producers (0.01 to 0.07 microg g(-1)). The concentration of OTA was determined in 30 samples of wheat. OTA was detected in 12 (40%) of the samples at levels ranging from 0.21 to 41.55 microg kg(-1).     

Occurrence of toxigenic fungi in ochratoxin A contaminated liquorice root

Fungi associated with ochratoxin A (OTA)-contaminated liquorice root and their capabilities for OTA production were investigated. Medicinal materials of mouldy liquorice root were collected from herbal markets located in Jiangxi, Zhejiang, Henan provinces and Beijing, China, respectively. Sixteen fungal species belonging to Penicillium, Aspergillus, Eurotium, Fusarium, Mucor and Scopulariopsis were isolated; the fungal composition was different in each liquorice root sample. Penicillium polonicum was predominant, comprising 54% of the total isolates in the liquorice root sample from Jiangxi province, which was contaminated with OTA at the highest level. In other samples with lower OTA contents, species of Aspergillus and Eurotium were predominant. OTA production of representative strains on rice media was detected by LC-MS/MS; all Penicillium polonicum isolates and a P. chrysogenum were ochratoxigenic; OTA concentrations ranged from 6.94 to 217.37?ng?g(-1). This is the first study to report P. polonicum as an OTA-producing fungus. OTA contamination of mouldy liquorice root constitutes a major health hazard in consumption. This situation demands urgent and undivided attention.     

On ochratoxin A and fungal flora in Polish cereals from conventional and ecological farms. Part 2: occurrence of ochratoxin A and fungi in cereals in 1998.

Over 200 samples of Polish cereal grain from the 1998 harvest obtained from conventional and ecological farms were investigated for the presence of ochratoxin A and for contamination by microscopic fungi. The frequency of contamination of rye and barley grains from conventional and ecological farms was similar in most cases; it varied from nearly 5 to 12%, respectively, for both types of farming. However, in samples from ecological farms, higher maximum concentrations of ochratoxin A were observed (35 micro g kg(-1), overall range 1.4-35.3 micro g kg(-1)) for both cereals rye and barley in comparison with rye and barley from conventional farms (maximum levels of 8.8 and 9.7 micro g kg(-1), respectively). However, wheat grain from the conventional farms showed ochratoxin A concentrations in a very wide range from 0.6 to 1024 micro g kg(-1) and the average frequency of contaminated samples was about 48%. In contrast, in wheat samples from ecological farming, the presence of ochratoxin A ranged from 0.8 to 1.6 micro g kg(-1) (mean 1.2 micro g kg(-1)) and the frequency of contamination was 23%. From samples containing detectable amounts of ochratoxin A, fungi producing ochratoxin A under laboratory conditions were isolated. They were classified as belonging to the species Penicillium cyclopium, P. viridicatum, Aspergillus ochraceus group, A. glaucus and A. versicolor. Penicillium strains-species known to be producers of ochratoxin A-were isolated from 71% of the samples; in 28% of samples, only Aspergillus strains (species known to be producers of this mycotoxin) were noted. These results have been compared with those obtained in 1997.     

Co-occurrence of ochratoxin A and citrinin in unprocessed cereals established during a three-year investigation period

The aim of this study was to investigate ochratoxin A (OTA) and citrinin (CIT) co-occurrence in different unprocessed cereals (n = 189) originating from Croatia during a three-year investigation period (2014–2016) using validated enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) methods. CIT and OTA were determined in 49% and 7% of samples, respectively. Significantly higher (p < 0.05) overall mean concentrations were determined for CIT (66.8 ± 76.0 µg/kg) in comparison to OTA (5.2 ± 1.1 µg/kg). Based on the analysis of all investigated cereals, CIT was found about 15 times more frequently than OTA and in similarly (15-fold) higher concentrations, irrespective of the cultivation year. The results revealed a moderately positive correlation between OTA and CIT concentrations in maize (r_s = 0.44) and wheat (r_s = 0.59), whereas in barley and oat this correlation (p > 0.01) was not significant.     

Occurrence of ochratoxin A and citrinin in Czech cereals and comparison of two HPLC methods for ochratoxin A detection

The aims of the study were to obtain information about the occurrence of ochratoxin A (OTA) and citrinin (CIT) in cereals harvested in the Czech Republic and to compare two analytical procedures for detecting OTA. A total of 34 cereal samples, including two matrix reference materials (R-Biopharm, Germany), were analysed. The results were compared with the limit for raw cereal grains used as a foodstuff according to Commission Regulation No. 1881/2006, which allows a maximum OTA level of 5 µg kg^?1. Compared were two methods based on the high-performance liquid chromatography principle, one using the immunoaffinity columns OchraTest? (VICAM) and the second based on solvent partition (PART), both followed by fluorescence detection. The highest OTA contents were found in two barley samples. According to the method employed, the results for the first sample (malting barley) were VICAM = 31.43 µg kg^?1 and PART = 44.74 µg kg^?1. For the second sample (feeding barley) they were VICAM = 48.63 µg kg^?1 and PART = 34.40 µg kg^?1. Two samples of bread wheat had an OTA content approaching the legal limit (VICAM = 4.71 µg kg^?1 and PART = 6.03 µg kg^?1; VICAM = 4.12 µg kg^?1 and PART = 3.95 µg kg^?1). CIT was analysed using the PART method only, and its highest content (93.64 µg kg^?1) was found for the malting barley sample with high OTA content (44.74 µg kg^?1 as analysed using PART).     

Comparison of manual and automatic sampling for monitoring ochratoxin A in barley grain

Automatic and manual sampling for ochratoxin A (OTA) in barley grain was compared under industrial conditions considering sampling uncertainty as well as practical and technical aspects. Ten tonnes of barley inoculated with Penicillium verrucosum were incubated until the OTA concentration reached approximately 15?µg?kg^?1 and sampled with manual and automatic sampling. A nested experimental design and ANOVA was used to estimate variance components from sampling, sample reduction, sample preparation and analysis. Manual sampling resulted in a high sampling uncertainty and OTA concentrations in aggregate samples ranged from 2 to 80?µg?kg^?1. When aggregate samples were formed by automatic sampling the uncertainty arising from nugget effects and spatial distribution was practically eliminated. Results from this study show that an automatic sampler mounted after a mixer or conveyer can provide representative samples of OTA from a moving stream of barley. Automatic sampling might present a practical and economical alternative to manual sampling for feed mill operators when monitoring low levels of mycotoxins in grain or other commodities. Despite careful precautions, sample preparation and analysis resulted in a relative uncertainty of ±40% (p?=?0.95), which was attributed to the sub-sampling following the two grinding steps. Size fractionation of the coarsely ground barley showed that 40% of the total amount of OTA was present in a small fraction of fine particles with a strong tendency to aggregate or stick to equipment and containers. Thus, in order to take advantage of the automatic sampling, it is crucial to apply an appropriate sub-sampling to prevent segregation of particles which may affect the OTA measurements.     

Occurrence of ochratoxin A in wine and ochratoxigenic mycoflora in grapes and dried vine fruits in South America

Grape and wine production in South America represents about 6.6% and 10% respectively of the world grape and wine production. The available information on the ochratoxigenic mycoflora and ochratoxin A (OTA) presence in wine grapes, wines, grape juices and dried vine fruits is limited. Surveys have been carried out in Argentina and Brazil which showed that Aspergillus niger aggregate are predominant in the Argentinean varieties while from the Brazilian varieties the species A. niger, Aspergillus ochraceus and Aspergillus carbonarius were isolated. A mycobiota survey from wine grapes in Argentina showed that while Alternaria alternata was predominant, Aspergillus section Nigri species were isolated from 60% of samples. About 41% of black Aspergilli isolates produced OTA with levels ranging from 2 to 24.5 ng mL(-1). In another study, about 83% of A. carbonarius isolates from dried vine fruits produced OTA, with levels ranging from 2 to 5200 ng mL(-1). A survey of grape juices and wines of Brazilian, Argentinean and Chilean origin were found to contain very low levels of OTA. Studies are in progress in Latin America on the ecophysiology of ochratoxigenic fungi and OTA occurrence to reduce the impact of this toxin in the food chain.     

Aflatoxins and ochratoxin A in stored barley grain in Spain and impact of PCR-based strategies to assess the occurrence of aflatoxigenic and ochratoxigenic Aspergillus spp

Contamination of barley by moulds and mycotoxins results in quality and nutritional losses and represents a significant hazard to the food chain. The presence of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), B2 (AFB2), G1 (AFG1) and G2 (AFG2) and ochratoxin A (OTA) in stored barley in Spain has been studied. Species-specific PCR assays were used for detection of Aspergillus flavus, A. parasiticus, A. ochraceus, A. steynii, A. westerdijkiae, A. carbonarius and A. niger aggregate in mycotoxin-positive barley samples at different incubation times (0, 1 and 2 days). Classical enumeration techniques (CFU/g) in different culture media for evaluation of Aspergillus in sections Flavi, Circumdati and Nigri were also used. One hundred and five barley kernel samples were collected in Spanish grain stores from 2008 to 2010, and analyzed using a previously optimized method involving accelerated solvent extraction, cleanup by immunoaffinity column, liquid chromatographic separation, post-column derivatization with iodine and fluorescence detection. Twenty-nine samples were contaminated with at least one of the studied mycotoxins. AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2, and OTA were detected in 12.4%, 2.9%, 4.8%, 2.9%, and 20% of the samples, respectively. Aflatoxins and OTA co-occurred in 4.8% of the samples. Maximum mycotoxin levels (ng/g) were 0.61 (AFB1), 0.06 (AFB2), 0.26 (AFG1), 0.05 (AFG2), and 2.0 (OTA). The results of PCR assays indicated the presence of all the studied species, except A. westerdijkiae. The PCR assays showed high levels of natural contamination of barley with the studied species of Aspergillus which do not correspond to the expected number of CFU/g in the cultures. These results suggest that a high number of non-viable spores or hyphae may exist in the samples. This is the first study carried out on the levels of aflatoxins and OTA in barley grain in Spain. Likewise, this is the first report on the presence of aflatoxigenic and ochratoxigenic Aspergillus spp. in barley grain naturally contaminated with those mycotoxins using a species-specific PCR approach.     

Black aspergilli and ochratoxin A production in French vineyards

A survey on the occurrence on grape of black Aspergillus species and their capability to produce ochratoxin A (OTA) was conducted in France over three years (2001-2003) in 10 vineyards from four winemaking regions with different geographical locations and climatic conditions. During 2001 and 2002, from setting to harvest, the total numbers of fungal isolates were respectively 721 and 711 increasing in 2003 to reach 1035. The Aspergillus genus was essentially represented by Section Nigri (99%) and it was predominant (80%+/-4.6) when compared to Penicillium (20%+/-4.6). Regardless of sampling year, 32.5% (+/-sigma=1.26) of the fungal isolates were OTA producers and 93% (+/-sigma=2.65) belonging to black aspergilli. The ochratoxigenic potential of the isolates and their occurrence on grapes revealed that Aspergillus carbonarius was the main OTA producer (up to 37.5 mug/g). At harvest time, the fungal population was maximal and this was the most critical period influencing OTA contamination. Grapes from Languedoc-Roussillon region were most infested with ochratoxigenic fungi and had the highest concentrations of OTA (up to 2.8 ng/g).     

On ochratoxin A and fungal flora in Polish cereals from conventional and ecological farms - Part 1: occurrence of ochratoxin A and fungi in cereals in 1997.

Over 200 samples of Polish cereal grain from the 1997 harvest obtained from conventional and ecological farms were tested for the presence of ochratoxin A as well as for contamination by microscopic fungi. Ochratoxin A contamination of rye from ecological farms was over six times more frequent than that from conventional cultivation. The ochratoxin A content in wheat and barley samples from ecological farms was also higher. No wheat sample from conventional farms contained the mycotoxin. In the group of ecological farms, there were differences in the percentage of cereal samples containing ochratoxin A. The ochratoxin A levels ranged from 0.2 to 57 microg kg(-1). The mean concentration of ochratoxin A in investigated cereal grain was 5.7 microg kg(-1). From samples containing detectable amounts of ochratoxin A, fungi producing ochratoxin A under laboratory conditions were isolated. They were classified as belonging to the species Penicillium cyclopium, P. viridicatum, P. chrysogenum and also Aspergillus alliaceus, A. versicolor, A. glaucus and A. flavus. Penicillium strains - producers of ochratoxin A - were isolated from 93% of the samples; in 7% of samples, only Aspergillus strains producing this mycotoxin were noted. Rye samples mainly from one farm with an ecological type of cultivation and from one conventional farm were contaminated with both Aspergillus and Penicillium mycotoxigenic strains.     

Ochratoxin A and ochratoxigenic Aspergillus species in Argentinean wine grapes cultivated under organic and non-organic systems

The evolution of contamination with Aspergillus section Nigri and ochratoxin A occurrence was evaluated in four vineyards located at Mendoza province, Argentina during 2003-2004. The survey included two grape varieties, one of late maturation (Bonarda) and the other of early maturation (Tempranillo). The vineyards were set under non-organic and organic cropping systems. Bunches of grapes at different growth stages were collected, and berries (50 by sample) were plated on Petri dishes containing Dichloran 18% Glycerol Agar (DG18) and Dichloran Rose Bengal Chloramphenicol Agar (DRBC) media. After an incubation period of 7 days at 25 degrees C+/-1 degrees C, the mycoflora belonging to Aspergillus section Nigri was identified. The ability to produce ochratoxin A (OTA) by the potential ochratoxigenic species was evaluated on YES (2% yeast extract, 15% sucrose) medium. The cultures were incubated at 30 degrees C+/-1 degrees C for 10 days in darkness. The OTA content of the grapes was determined by HPLC. Through the different growth stages, from setting to harvest, grape contamination by the Aspergillus species, section Nigri increased. The main species isolated belonged to the A. niger aggregate. From 246 strains evaluated 24% was ochratoxigenic. OTA was not detected in grapes during the survey.     

Occurrence of toxigenic fungi in ochratoxin A contaminated liquorice root

Fungi associated with ochratoxin A (OTA)-contaminated liquorice root and their capabilities for OTA production were investigated. Medicinal materials of mouldy liquorice root were collected from herbal markets located in Jiangxi, Zhejiang, Henan provinces and Beijing, China, respectively. Sixteen fungal species belonging to Penicillium, Aspergillus, Eurotium, Fusarium, Mucor and Scopulariopsis were isolated; the fungal composition was different in each liquorice root sample. Penicillium polonicum was predominant, comprising 54% of the total isolates in the liquorice root sample from Jiangxi province, which was contaminated with OTA at the highest level. In other samples with lower OTA contents, species of Aspergillus and Eurotium were predominant. OTA production of representative strains on rice media was detected by LC-MS/MS; all Penicillium polonicum isolates and a P. chrysogenum were ochratoxigenic; OTA concentrations ranged from 6.94 to 217.37?ng?g^?1. This is the first study to report P. polonicum as an OTA-producing fungus. OTA contamination of mouldy liquorice root constitutes a major health hazard in consumption. This situation demands urgent and undivided attention.     

谷物类食品中赭曲霉毒素A分析方法的研究进展

赭曲霉毒素A是由真菌产生的次级代谢产物,由于其具有极强的肾脏毒性、致癌性、致畸性,且对食品污染的范围广泛,许多国家对其制定了严格的限量标准。目前对谷物中赭曲霉毒素A的检测方法主要有薄层色谱分析法、高效液相色谱法、酶联免疫吸附法、毛细管电泳法和胶体金试纸条法等。随着检测水平的提高,对食品中的赭曲霉毒素A限量标准的要求也在不断地提高。建立安全、准确、灵敏度高、重现性好的检测体系将成为今后研究的重点。     

MOLD GROWTH AND PRESENCE OF AFLATOXIN IN SOME TURKISH CHEESES

Twenty-five random fresh market samples of Van herby cheese and pickled white cheese were examined for molds and aflatoxins. The mean total mold count in Van herby cheese was 2.50 × 10⁵/g; in pickled white cheese it was 4.95 × 10⁴/g. The mycoflora on the cheeses were determined. In all cheeses, over 65% of molds were Penicillium species . Aspergillus made up 0 to 1.6 % and 2.6 % to 4.0 % of the mold on pickled white cheese and Van herby cheese, respectively. Other isolated molds belonged to Mucor, Geotrichum and Trichoderma genera. None of the samples contained aflatoxins and none of the 6 Aspergillus isolates was an aflatoxin producer .     

Toxigenic fungi isolated from dried vine fruits in Argentina

To evaluate the potential for mycotoxin production by fungi in dried vine fruits, the mycobiota was determined both before and after surface disinfection. Predominant genera were Aspergillus (50.2%), Eurotium (21.4%) and Penicillium (13.5%). Aspergillus section Nigri ("black aspergilli") were isolated with relatively high frequency. Aspergillus niger was the most common species but only 3 of 293 isolates screened were ochratoxin A (OTA) producers. Aspergillus carbonarius was less common but 96% of 48 strains screened were ochratoxigenic. OTA was not produced by A. japonicus. Other toxigenic fungi detected were A. ochraceus (3 strains produced OTA), Aspergillus flavus (5 strains produced cyclopiazonic acid but not aflatoxins), P. citrinum (19 strains were strong citrinin producers) and Alternaria alternata (15 strains were producers of tenuazonic acid, alternariol and alternariol methyl ether). In spite of the high incidence of A. carbonarius capable of producing OTA, low levels of this toxin were detected in the samples analysed.     

Moulds and ochratoxin A on surfaces of artisanal and industrial dry sausages

The use of moulds as a seasoning for sausage can have both desirable and undesirable consequences. The desirable consequences are the creation of a successful product that appeals to consumers. The undesirable consequences are due to the growth of undesirable moulds that produce highly toxic secondary metabolites referred to as mycotoxins. The aim of the paper was to investigate the presence of moulds producing ochratoxin A (OTA) on the surface of sausages from northern Italy. A total of 757 mould strains were isolated from sausage casings. The most frequently identified species were Penicillium nalgiovense, Penicillium oxalicum, Eurotium amstelodami, Penicillium olsonii, Penicillium chrysogenum, Penicillium verrucosum, Penicillium viridicatum, and Eupenicillium crustaceum. Aspergillus ochraceus was detected in only one production lot. Approximately 45% of these samples were positive for the presence of OTA. On the casings of the investigated sausages, the lowest and highest OTA values were 3 and 18 μg/kg, respectively. The OTA concentration was reduced to below the limit of detection (LOD) by brushing and washing the sausages prior to sale. From these data it appears that the presence of OTA on the surface of sausage (on the casings) is not indicative of any health risk for human consumption of sausage, since OTA was not identified inside the dry meat.     

OCHRATOXIN A, HYDROXYMETHYLFURFURAL AND VITAMIN C LEVELS OF SUN-DRIED GRAPES AND SULTANAS

Ochratoxin A (OTA), hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and l ‐ascorbic acid (vitamin C) levels were detected in sun‐dried sultanas and raisins (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Sultanina). Ochratoxins produced by Aspergillus ochraceus, Aspergillus spp., Penicillium viridicatum, Penicillium cyclopium and Rhizophus spp. The main toxin of this group is OTA. It is nephrotoxic and immunotoxic. HMF can occur during nonenzymatic browning reactions that take the form of condensation reactions between amino acids and reducing sugars. It is known as a mutagenic and carcinogenic compound. The sultanas and raisin research samples were sun dried in the field and stored over a long period in the plant. Toxicological quality patterns evaluated for OTA and HMF levels were also evaluated. These are very important compounds for food safety. They are important critical control quality criteria of sun‐dried grapes. Vitamin C was examined because of sensitivity against physical and chemical factors such as oxygen, light, thermal treatments, alkali treatment and heavy metals, as well as being important for food labeling. The mean values of OTA in sultanas and raisins were 4.64 and 2.98 µg/kg, respectively. It is determined that the studied samples could be evaluated for safety limit of OTA, which is suggested by the European Community as 10 µg/kg. The HMF values of the samples were 5.50 and 33.57 mg/kg, respectively. The raisins were sun dried. The two types of samples without any pretreatment had a long sun drying period, and they showed higher mean of HMF level with content is had showed higher mean HMF level sultanas. The HMF content is with a critical control point for human health. The mean vitamin C levels of sultanas and raisins were 3.67 and 5.15 mg/100 g, respectively. The mean vitamin C values of sultanas were lower than those of raisins. It was estimated that alkali treatment could cause the destruction of l ‐ascorbic acid. The vitamin C content of sun‐dried grapes does not contribute much to nutrition.     

SCREENING AND QUANTIFICATION OF AFLATOXINS AND OCHRATOXIN A IN DIFFERENT CEREALS CULTIVATED IN ROMANIA USING THIN-LAYER CHROMATOGRAPHY-DENSITOMETRY

ABSTRACT

The main focus of our study was to implement a rapid, inexpensive and reliable method that could be utilized to check the cereals for safety (i.e., screening for total aflatoxins, as well as individual B₁, B₂, G₁, G₂ aflatoxins and ochratoxin A). We developed a protocol by which we were able to isolate mycotoxins from cereals collected from different regions of Romania. After extraction in chloroform, the mycotoxins were separated by thin‐layer chromatography (TLC) and quantified using densitometry. Forty‐three samples of different cereals (wheat, maize, rye and Triticale) were analyzed. Twenty‐five of the 43 samples (58.14% of the total number) were found to be contaminated with different mycotoxins in various concentrations: aflatoxin B₁ (1.6–5.7 µg/kg), aflatoxin B₂ (0.89–4 µg/kg), aflatoxin G₁ (1.2–5.76 µg/kg), aflatoxin G₂ (0.96–3.4 µg/kg) and/or 4.3–30 µg/kg ochratoxin A. The concentration of total aflatoxin contamination ranged from 11.2 to 10.8 µg/kg. Among the different cereals, the highest number of contaminated samples was found to be in the wheat samples (62.5%). The method outlined in this study has been adopted already by our laboratory for current analyses of mycotoxins. The results obtained using this method is in compliance with the strict regulatory guidelines developed both in Romania, as well as in the European Union.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Thin‐layer chromatography (TLC) is a rapid, inexpensive and convenient method that can be used routinely to screen for mycotoxins. This article describes the detailed procedures for the extraction, purification and quantification of aflatoxins and ochratoxin A, using TLC. Using this method one can identify concomitantly five different mycotoxins and by coupling it with densitometry a quantitative determination is also possible. Therefore, this could become a routine technique in regional laboratories responsible for checking agrifood safety.