ochratoksyna

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a toxic compound produced by certain species of fungi, particularly those in the Aspergillus and Penicillium genera. It is a mycotoxin, which means it is a toxic substance produced by fungi. Ochratoxin A has been implicated in a range of health problems, including kidney damage and cancer.

Ochratoxin A is commonly found in moldy grains and feeds, as well as in corn, wheat, and rice. It can also be found in meat and animal products that have been contaminated with the toxin. The toxin works by inhibiting the kidney's ability to filter waste products from the blood, leading to a buildup of toxic substances in the body.

Reports of ochratoxin A's toxicity have been documented in human and animal studies. In humans, exposure to high levels of the toxin has been associated with kidney disease, birth defects, and a range of other health problems. In animals, high levels of the toxin have been linked to kidney failure and other organ damage.

Regulatory limits for ochratoxin A have been established in several countries, including the European Union and the United States. In these regions, moldy grains and other foods must be tested for the presence of the toxin, and those that exceed certain limits are not allowed to be sold for human consumption.

Efforts have been made to reduce the presence of ochratoxin A in food products through improved agricultural practices and stricter food safety regulations. Some species of fungi that produce ochratoxin A are now being targeted in attempts to reduce the toxin's presence in grains and other foods.