PRESENCE OF OCHRATOXIN A IN NURSERY FOOD

Ochratoxin A is a typical cereal contaminant mainly produced by Aspergillus and Penicillium. With the aim to estimate the quantity of Ochratoxin A that can be taken in by a child, samples of Pasta and cereals food used in nursery school have been monitored in Milan. Cereal and cereal-based food have been monthly collected during one year. The analysis of ochratoxin A was performed by fluorimeter detector. Ochratoxin A has been found in all samples (100%): the average concentrations of OTA A were 0,64 μg/kg for children specific Pasta and 1,11 for organic Pasta; the average concentrations for cereals and cereals-based food 3,16 μg/kg.