Dataset Description
Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a natural toxin produced by fungal species in the genera Aspergillus and Penicillium. This naturally occurring toxin can be found in a broad group of agricultural products such as cereal grains, coffee, and fruits. Higher levels of OTA can result from the improper storage of grains in moist conditions. Ochratoxin A is a toxic fungal metabolite that may cause nephrotoxic, teratogenic, immunosuppressive and carcinogenic effects in many species. It also causes porcine nephropathy and has been implicated in the etiology of Balkan endemic nephropathy (BEN), a chronic degenerative kidney disease associated with a high incidence of urinary tract tumours in humans. Ochratoxin A is one of the most potent renal carcinogens, inducing cancer in rats at very low doses. If a potential concern to human health is identified, immediate and appropriate action will be taken.
Learn about the Canadian Total Diet Study (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/food-nutrition-surveillance/canadian-total-diet-study.html)
Search through Health Canada's food contaminant data on CANLINE (https://open.canada.ca/data/en/dataset/01c12f93-d14c-4005-b671-e40030a3aa2c)
Organization: Health Canada | Santé Canada
Last modified: 2025-06-11T18:42:04.344904