OCHRATOXIN A
Occurrence
If conditions are right as far as humidity, temperature etc are concerned, some moulds can form mycotoxins that may be toxic to animals and humans. Ochratoxin A is formed by certain moulds that thrive in warm, tropical climates and will consequently almost only poison imported food.
Ochratoxin A can be formed if the tobacco is dried and/or stored in unfavorable conditions.
Ochratoxin A may be present in cereals, dried fruit, coffee and red wine.
Health
Ochratoxin A has been classified by WHO as a possible carcinogen.
Snus and foodstuffs
100 grams of raisins contains 0.26 micrograms of ochratoxin A, which corresponds to the content in 5 (x) 24 g cans of snus.
Limit values
There are EU maximum levels for ochratoxin A in cereals, cereal products and dried fruit. Ochratoxin A was assigned a GOTHIATEK limit in 2016.
