The occurrence of mycotoxins in organic spelt products

Abstract

Mycotoxins have a proven toxic effect on the health of humans and animals. Nowadays, there is a focus on having a healthy lifestyle and consuming organic foods. High quality grain products, especially spelt products, which are an important element of a well-balanced diet have become more popular. The aim of this study was to determine the mycotoxin content in spelt products available on the Polish market. Spelt products were collected in 2009 and 2010 in eastern Poland. The Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA) method was used to identify aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, T-2 toxin, deoxynivalenol, and zearalenone. The study confirmed that all investigated mycotoxins were present in spelt products.