Ochratoxin, commonly produced by the molds Aspergillus ochraceus and Penicillium viridicatum, can be found in corn, barley, green coffee and various dried fruits. Ochratoxin may be present in conjunction with aflatoxin, one of the most potent naturally-occurring carcinogens. In fact, ochratoxin is a suspected carcinogen. Ochratoxin affects kidneys in animals exposed to naturally-occurring levels of this mycotoxin. Turkeys and other poultry exhibited lower productivity levels during field outbreaks of ochratoxicosis. Symptoms included retarded growth and decreased feed conversion. It has also been known to affect egg production in laying hens. Although there has been no advisory or regulatory level for ochratoxin issued by the FDA, many agree that levels between 10-20 ppb for commodities destined for human or animal consumption may cause health problems and economic losses. Some foreign markets have set regulation limits ranging from 5 to 50 ppb.
