Detection and genotoxicity of ochratoxin A (OTA) in raisins

LERDA, D.; LITTERIO, N.J; MIOTTI, E.

European Scientific Journal

European Scientific Institute

Año: 2017 vol. 16 p. 1 - 8

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin that contaminates a wide varietyof foods such as cereals, beer, wine, coffee, cocoa, grapes, raisins and spices.It possibly affects the genetic material of organisms that are in contact withthe OTA, causing mutation in their DNA. The aim of this study was to evaluatethe presence of the OTA-producing fungi in raisins, its detection and theinduction of chromosomal aberrations using the Allium cepa test. Samples ofdried grapes were studied in which the microflora and the presence and contentof OTA were determined. Allium cepa roots were exposed to OTA content (12and 15 ng ml-1) for 48 h. Then they were collected from each assay andanalyzed. OTA induces alterations in the genetic material of plant cells whichsuggests that OTA presents genotoxic effects at the concentration studied.