AI Summary & Key Takeaways
AI InsightConclusion: In conclusion, certain dried fruits available for purchase in Elazığ province have elevated levels of OTA contamination, and those sold openly provide a potential hazard.
📌 3 Key Takeaways
Abstract
Objective: Mycotoxins are poisonous compounds produced by fungi that can lead to significant detrimental effects on human and animal health. Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a prevalent mycotoxin in food, significant for its nephrotoxic, immunotoxic, teratogenic, and potentially carcinogenic properties. Materials and Methods: This study aims to ascertain the presence and concentrations of OTA in the dried raisins, apricot, fig, and date samples available for sale in Elazığ. A total of 64 dried fruit samples (16 raisins, 16 apricots, 16 figs, and 16 dates) collected from retail outlets between March and May 2026 were tested via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results: The study revealed that OTA was quantitatively identified in 42.2% of the samples, with an average value of 2473.44 ± 1955.83 µg/kg in the positive samples. Upon separate evaluation of product groupings, the OTA positive rates were found to be 31.3% in raisins, 43.8% in dried apricots, and 93.8% in dried figs, however no OTA levels over the detection limit were seen in date samples. The highest level of OTA concentration was detected in the dried fig samples (3181.40 ± 2225.08 µg/kg). All positive samples had OTA levels exceeding the maximum permissible limit (10 µg/kg) established by the Turkish Food Codex for dried fruits. Conclusion: In conclusion, certain dried fruits available for purchase in Elazığ province have elevated levels of OTA contamination, and those sold openly provide a potential hazard. Consequently, consistent surveillance of OTA contamination in dried fruits and heightened scrutiny of storage conditions are essential for safeguarding public health.