Risks for animal health related to the presence of ochratoxin A (OTA) in feed

Abstract

In 2004, the EFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM) adopted a Scientific Opinion on the risks to animal health and transfer from feed to food of animal origin related to the presence of ochratoxin A (OTA) in feed. The European Commission requested EFSA to assess newly available scientific information and to update the 2004 Scientific Opinion. OTA is produced by several fungi of the genera Aspergillus and Penicillium. In most animal species it is rapidly and extensively absorbed in the gastro-intestinal tract, binds strongly to plasma albumins and is mainly detoxified to ochratoxin alpha (OTalpha) by ruminal microbiota. In pigs, OTA has been found mainly in liver and kidney. Transfer of OTA from feed to milk in ruminants and donkeys as well as to eggs from poultry is confirmed but low. Overall, OTA impairs function and structure of kidneys and liver, causes immunosuppression and affects the zootechnical performance (e.g. body weight gain, feed/gain ratio, etc.), with monogastric species being more susceptible than ruminants because of limited detoxification to OTalpha. The CONTAM Panel considered as reference point (RP) for adverse animal health effects: for pigs and rabbits 0.01 mg OTA/kg feed, for chickens for fattening and hens 0.03 mg OTA/kg feed. A total of 9,184 analytical results on OTA in feed, expressed in dry matter, were available. Dietary exposure was assessed using different scenarios based on either model diets or compound feed (complete feed or complementary feed plus forage). Risk characterisation was made for the animals for which an RP could be identified. The CONTAM Panel considers that the risk related to OTA in feed for adverse health effects for pigs, chickens for fattening, hens and rabbits is low.

Monitoring Mycotoxin Exposure in Food-Producing Animals (Cattle, Pig, Poultry, and Sheep)

“…OTA is absorbed by animals through the gastrointestinal tract and exerts several toxic effects on them [89], although susceptibility varies between species. Ruminants, for instance, are less susceptible due to their metabolization in the rumen, whereas pigs are particularly vulnerable [90]. In 2023, the EFSA published a Scientific Opinion on the risks to animal health related to the presence of OTA in feed [90].…”

“…Ruminants, for instance, are less susceptible due to their metabolization in the rumen, whereas pigs are particularly vulnerable [90]. In 2023, the EFSA published a Scientific Opinion on the risks to animal health related to the presence of OTA in feed [90]. The panel concluded, based on the available data, that the risk of adverse effects related to OTA in feed is low.…”

“…Additionally, ochratoxin B (OTB) was found in 20% of 30 poultry feed samples from Nigeria, with a maximum level of 24 µg/kg [64]. OTB is a metabolite resulting from the dechlorination of OTA, and limited information is available on its effects on animal health [90].…”

The Toxicokinetics, Excretion Patterns, and Milk Transmission of Ochratoxin A in Lactating Sows

“…Ochratoxins, particularly Ochratoxin A (OTA), are a group of mycotoxins produced by several fungi such as Aspergillus ochraceus and Penicillium verrucosum . These toxins are pervasive in agricultural commodities like maize [ 1 ], wheat [ 1 ], barley [ 1 ], rice, and rice-products [ 2 ], as well as in dried fruit [ 3 ], coffee [ 3 , 4 ], cocoa [ 3 ], animal feed [ 1 ], pork [ 5 ], and ewe’s milk [ 6 ], representing a significant health hazard to both humans and animals [ 7 , 8 , 9 ]. OTA is recognized for its extensive harmful effects across various species, affecting zootechnical performance (e.g., body weight gain, feed/gain ratio, etc.)…”

“…OTA is recognized for its extensive harmful effects across various species, affecting zootechnical performance (e.g., body weight gain, feed/gain ratio, etc.) [ 1 , 10 ], leading to reductions in average daily feed intake (ADFI) and egg weight (EW) in laying hens [ 11 ], as well as inducing immunosuppression and inflammation [ 12 , 13 ].…”