Assessment of Ochratoxin A intake due to consumption of coffee and cocoa derivatives marketed in Abidjan (Cte dIvoire)

Abstract

Ochratoxin A is a mycotoxin produced by moulds belonging to the Aspergillus and Penicillium species, and is a common contaminant of various food products. Ochratoxin A is known for its nephrotoxic and carcinogenic effects; protective actions to protect consumer health must be established. The aim of this study was to assess the level of contamination of manufactured coffee and cocoa-based products marketed in Abidjan to estimate ochratoxin A intake related to the consumption of these goods. We quantified ochratoxin A in 87 samples by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. Coffee samples contained an average of 4.0 ± 3.4 µg/kg ochratoxin A and cocoa-based industrial products 0.9 ± 0.6 µg/kg. OTA intakes were assessed using data obtained from the analysis and the estimated Ivorian adult daily consumptions. The average estimated intake for the Ivorian population is 0.15 ng/kg bw/d for coffee and 0.02 ng/kg bw/d for cocoa, lower than the tolerable daily intakes of 5 and 14 ng/kg bw/d, respectively set by the European Commission and World Health Organization. However, in view of the toxicity of OTA, it is imperative to establish legislation on mycotoxin in Côte d'Ivoire