Ochratoxin-A (OTA) Contamination in Coffee - A ReVISlt

摘要

Of the various toxins produced by the moulds, Ochratoxin-A (OTA) is the main toxinof concern in coffee. Like any other agricultural commodity, coffee is also infested by moulds. Moulds like Aspergillus, Penicillium and Fusarium when they grow on food crops or food products having high moisture level excrete toxic chemicals which may cause serious health effects in animals and human beings. Aspergillus, Penicillium and Fusarium are the commonly seen moulds in coffee and their occurrence depends on the environmental conditions as well as crop management, post harvest practices and storage conditions. Of the various toxins produced by the moulds, Ochratoxin-A (OTA) is the main toxin of concern in coffee. OTA is produced by Penicillium verrucosum in temperate region and by Aspergillus species (Aspergillus carbonarius, Aspergillus nigerand Aspergillus ochraceus) in tropical climate.