| Abstract: | An indirect, double antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) has been validated for application to pig kidney. The specificity of the anti-ochratoxin A antiserum employed is such that minimal sample preparation is required prior to assay, with consequent beneficial effects on sample throughput. Kidneys (303) obtained in the UK as being unsuitable for human consumption were examined for ochratoxin A content by ELISA. Of these, 191 (63%) contained no detectable toxin (the detection limit was 0.5 ng g?1). Only eight samples (2.6%) contained more than 5 ng g?1 ochratoxin A, and only two were above 10 ng g?1 (at 11.5 and 12.4 ng g?1). The significance of these findings is discussed. |
