RESUMO
In this research, the decomposition of toxic organics from pulp and paper mill effluent by the sequential application of ozonation and biodegradation was studied. Ozonation, as a pre-treatment, was executed to transform the initial pollutants into less toxic compounds (such as organic acids of low molecular weights). Biodegradation was executed during three days with acclimated microorganisms that were able to complete the decomposition of the initial organic mixture (raw wastewater) and to achieve a higher degree of mineralization (85-90%). Experiments were performed under three different conditions: (a) only ozonation of the initial contaminants, (b) only biodegradation of residual water without previous treatment by ozone and (c) ozonation followed by biodegradation performed by acclimated microorganisms. In the case of 72 h of biodegradation, the mineralization efficiency reached 85% and 89% after 30 and 60 min of ozonation, respectively. The no significant difference in this parameter coincided with the calculated generalized microorganisms' consortia specific growing rate µmax that was reduced from 2.08 × 10-3 h-1 to 6.05 × 10-4 h-1 when the ozonation time was longer. The identification of the organics composition by gas chromatography with mass detector (GC-MS) before and after treatments confirmed that the proposed combined process served as a more efficient alternative to secondary and tertiary treatments (mineralization degree between 60 and 80% in average) of the paper industry wastewater.
RESUMO
Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages in the world. Coffee provides to the consumer special sensorial characteristics, can help to prevent diseases, improves physical performance and increases focus. In contrast, coffee consumption supplies a significant source of substances with carcinogenic and genotoxic potential such as furan, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), furfural (F), and acrylamide (AA). The present review addresses the issues around the presence of such toxic substances formed in Maillard reaction (MR) during thermal treatments in food processing, from chemical and, toxicological perspectives, occurrences in coffee and other foods processed by heating. In addition, current strategies advantages and disadvantages are presented along with application of molecular imprinting technology (MIT) and poly (ionic liquid) s (PIL) as an alternative to reduce the furan, HMF, F and AA content in coffee and other foods.
Assuntos
Líquidos Iônicos , Impressão Molecular , Café/química , Líquidos Iônicos/química , Acrilamida/química , FuranosRESUMO
Second generation ethanol has the prospect of becoming an important bioenergy alternative. The development of this technology is associated with the lignocellulosic materials' use, with emphasis on agricultural and agroindustrial by-products from which fermentable sugar can be produced. The acid hydrolysis depolymerizes the hemicellulose releasing mainly xylose. Subsequently, the cellulose can be converted into glucose by enzymatic hydrolysis. However, the acid hydrolysis produces toxic compounds, such as furan derivatives, phenolics, and organic acids, which are harmful to fermentative microorganisms. This study investigated different acid concentrations in the sulfuric acid hydrolysis of sugarcane bagasse (1- 5% m/v) and the use of adsorbents with the prerogative to improve the acid hydrolysate (AH) quality for microbial ethanolic fermentation. Cell growth and fermentative yield of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (PE-2) and Scheffersomyces stipitis (NRRL Y-7124) were evaluated. AH was used as a source of pentoses (17.7 g L-1) and molasses (ME) sugarcane as source of hexoses (47 g L-1). The following adsorbents were used: activated charcoal, clay, hydrotalcite and active and inactive cells of PE-2 and NRRL Y-7124, at concentrations ranging (1 - 8% m/v). Results of cell growth and chemical characterization allowed to select the most effective adsorbents with emphasis for active cells that removed 66% furfural and 51% 5-(hydroxymethyl) furfural) (5-HMF) and alcoholic productivity of 23.5 g L-1 in AH and ME substrates, in the presence of mixed culture. These results indicate the application of active yeast cells in the detoxification of acid hydrolysates of the sugarcane bagasse previously to the fermentation.
Assuntos
Celulose/análise , Saccharomyces cerevisiae/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Saccharomycetales/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Saccharum/microbiologia , Adsorção , Hidróxido de Alumínio/química , Carvão Vegetal/química , Fermentação , Hexoses/química , Hidróxido de Magnésio/química , Pentoses/química , Saccharum/químicaRESUMO
Carbonyl compounds and furan derivatives may form adducts with DNA and cause oxidative stress to human cells, which establishes the carcinogenic potential of these compounds. The occurrence of these compounds may vary according to the processing characteristics of the beer. The objective of this study was, for the first time, to investigate the free forms of target carbonyl compounds [acetaldehyde, acrolein, ethyl carbamate (EC) and formaldehyde] and furan derivatives [furfural and furfuryl alcohol (FA)] during the brewing stages of ale and lager craft beers. Samples were evaluated using headspace-solid phase microextraction and gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection in selected ion monitoring mode (HS-SPME-GC/MS-SIM). Acetaldehyde, acrolein, formaldehyde and furfuryl alcohol were found in all brewing stages of both beer types, while EC and furfural concentrations were below the LOD and LOQ of the method (0.1 and 0.01 µg L-1, respectively). Boiling and fermentation of ale brewing seem to be important steps for the formation of acrolein and acetaldehyde, respectively, while boiling resulted in an increase of FA in both types of beer. Conversely, pasteurisation and maturation reduced the levels of these compounds in both types of beer. An increase in concentration of acrolein has not been verified in lager brew probably due to the difference in boiling time between these two types of beer (60 and 90 min for ale and lager, respectively).
Assuntos
Cerveja/análise , Análise de Alimentos , Contaminação de Alimentos/análise , Acetaldeído/efeitos adversos , Acetaldeído/análise , Acroleína/efeitos adversos , Acroleína/análise , Cerveja/efeitos adversos , Fermentação , Formaldeído/efeitos adversos , Formaldeído/análise , Furanos/efeitos adversos , Furanos/análise , Humanos , Uretana/efeitos adversos , Uretana/análiseRESUMO
Compounds with toxic potential may occur in beer, such as carbonyl compounds (acetaldehyde, acrolein, ethyl carbamate [EC] and formaldehyde) and furan derivatives [furfural and furfuryl alcohol (FA)]. The objective of this study was, for the first time, to validate a method based on headspace-solid phase microextraction using a PDMS-overcoated fibre and gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection in selected ion monitoring mode (HS-SPME-GC/MS-SIM) to investigate target carbonyl compounds and furan derivatives in beers. Analytical curves showed proper linearity with r2 ranging from 0.9731 to 0.9960 for acetaldehyde and EC, respectively. The lowest LOD was found for acetaldehyde (0.03 µg L-1), while the lowest LOQ value (1.0 µg L-1) was found for acetaldehyde and EC, formaldehyde and furfural. Recovery (90% to 105%), intermediate precision and repeatability (lower than 13%), limits of detection and quantification (values below 2.5 µg L-1) showed that the method is suitable to simultaneously quantify these compounds. EC was detected in only two samples (1 lager and 1 ale). Furfural was found in 37% and 82% of ale and lager beers, respectively. Acetaldehyde, acrolein, formaldehyde and FA were detected in all samples. However, acrolein was the only compound found in the commercial samples at a concentration capable of causing health risk. Besides furfural and FA, four other furan-containing compounds (5-methyl-2-furan methanethiol, acetylfuran, 5-methylfurfural and γ-nonalactone) were also found in beers, however, at levels low enough not to impose potential health risk.
Assuntos
Cerveja/análise , Contaminação de Alimentos/análise , Microextração em Fase Sólida , Acetaldeído/análise , Acroleína/análise , Formaldeído/análise , Furanos/análise , Cromatografia Gasosa-Espectrometria de Massas , Estrutura Molecular , Medição de Risco , Uretana/análiseRESUMO
The objective of this research was to estimate for the first time the transformations that the free form of some target carbonyl compounds may undergo during winemaking and assess the exposure risk to these compounds through the consumption of the Merlot commercial wines under study. Acrolein and furfural were found in grapes and the respective wines, although levels were observed to decline throughout the winemaking process. Formaldehyde was found in all stages of wine production in levels lower than the limit of quantification of the method and ethyl carbamate was not found in samples. Acetaldehyde seems to be a precursor of acetoin and 2,3-butanediol, since the levels of this aldehyde decreased along winemaking and the formation of the ester and alcohol was verified. Furfural levels decreased, while the occurrence of furan-containing compounds increased during winemaking. The formation of acetaldehyde during alcoholic fermentation and the potential environmental contamination of grapes with acrolein and furfural are considered as the critical points related to the presence of toxic carbonyl compounds in the wine. Acrolein was found in the samples under study in sufficient quantities to present risk to human health, while other potentially toxic carbonyl compounds did not result in risk. This study indicated for the first time the presence of acrolein in grapes suggesting that environmental pollution can play an important role in the levels of this aldehyde detected in wines. Reduction of the emission of this aldehyde to the environment may be achieved by replacing wood burning by another heat source in fireplaces or wood stones, and abandoning the practice of burning garbage and vegetation.
Assuntos
Acetaldeído/administração & dosagem , Acetaldeído/análise , Acroleína/administração & dosagem , Acroleína/análise , Ingestão de Líquidos , Furaldeído/administração & dosagem , Furaldeído/análise , Vinho/análise , Fermentação , Humanos , Medição de Risco , Vitis/químicaRESUMO
The goals of this study were (i) to verify the effect of steam extraction used in juice production and the stages of vinification on the ochratoxin A (OTA) levels found in grapes naturally contaminated, and (ii) evaluate the risk of exposure to this toxin when the daily consumption of juice and wine is followed to prevent cardiovascular disease. OTA-producing fungi were isolated from Cabernet Sauvignon, Moscato Itálico and Concord grapes harvested from the same vineyard and intended to produce red wine, white wine and juice, respectively. The highest levels of this toxin were found in the Concord grapes used for juice production. Although greater reduction in OTA levels occurred during juice production (73%) compared to winemaking (66 and 44%, for red and white, respectively), the estimated OTA exposure through juice was higher than the tolerable intake established for this toxin by JECFA. The risk associated with juice consumption, rather than wine, can be explained by (i) higher OTA levels found in Concord must than those of Cabernet and Moscato, indicating that Concord grapes appear to be more susceptible to OTA production by toxigenic fungi; and (ii) the daily recommended juice consumption is higher than those proposed to red wine.
Assuntos
Contaminação de Alimentos/análise , Sucos de Frutas e Vegetais/análise , Ocratoxinas/análise , Vinho/análise , Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Pressão , Qualidade de Produtos para o Consumidor , Humanos , Ocratoxinas/isolamento & purificação , Ocratoxinas/metabolismo , Medição de Risco , Vitis/química , Vitis/microbiologiaRESUMO
Among the major challenges for hemicellulosic hydrolysate application in fermentative processes, there is the presence of toxic compounds generated during the pretreatment of the biomass, which can inhibit microbial growth. Therefore, the development of efficient, biodegradable and cost-effective detoxification methods for lignocellulosic hydrolysates is crucial. In this work, two tannin-based biopolymers (called A and B) were tested in the detoxification of sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate for subsequent fermentation by Candida guilliermondii. The effects of biopolymer concentration, pH, temperature, and contact time were studied using a 24 experimental design for both biopolymers. Results revealed that the biopolymer concentration and the pH were the most significant factors in the detoxification step. Biopolymer A removed phenolics, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, and nickel from the hydrolysate more efficiently than biopolymer B, while biopolymer B was efficient to remove chromium at 15% (v/v). Detoxification enhanced the fermentation of sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate, and the biopolymers showed different influences on the process.
Assuntos
Celulose , Saccharum , Fermentação , Furaldeído/análogos & derivados , HidróliseRESUMO
The grape juice was included in meals of public schools in the states of Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina, Brazil. The juices intended for schools have been produced by small wineries through the steam distillation method. This method presents a particularity in relation to other juice production methods, since the grapes are not macerated to extract the juice. In literature is well established that maceration of grapes is the main critical point associated with the ochratoxin A (OTA) contamination in juices. OTA is a mycotoxin with nephrotoxic and immunosuppressives effects. The aim of this study was to verify the OTA occurrence in juices produced by steam distillation method, as grape juice may be a source of OTA exposure for children. No sample showed OTA levels higher than the detection limit (0.05g L-1) of method used to determine this toxin. This study demonstrated the adequate quality of juice produced by this extraction method. Furthermore, data about OTA occurrence are important to support risk assessment studies related to the exposure to toxic compounds through diet.(AU)
O suco de uva foi incluído nas refeições de escolas públicas do estado do Rio Grande do Sul e Santa Catarina, Brasil. O suco destinado para as escolas é produzido por pequenas vinícolas através do método de arraste a vapor. Este método apresenta uma particularidade em relação aos demais métodos de produção do suco, pois as uvas não são maceradas para a extração do mosto. Cabe salientar que a maceração das uvas é o principal ponto crítico relacionado à contaminação dos sucos com ocratoxina A (OTA), que é uma micotoxina que apresenta efeitos nefrotóxicos e imunossupressores. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a ocorrência de OTA em sucos produzidos pelo método de arraste de vapor, pois o suco de uva pode ser uma fonte de exposição à OTA para crianças. Nenhuma amostra apresentou OTA em níveis maiores que o limite de detecção (0,05g L-1) do método usado para determinar esta toxina. Este resultado evidenciou a qualidade adequada do suco produzido por este método de extração. Além disso, dados sobre a ocorrência de OTA são importantes para subsidiar estudos relacionados à exposição a compostos tóxicos através da dieta.(AU)
Assuntos
Ocratoxinas , Doenças Transmitidas por Alimentos , Sucos de Frutas e Vegetais/toxicidade , Destilação , Alimentação EscolarRESUMO
The grape juice was included in meals of public schools in the states of Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina, Brazil. The juices intended for schools have been produced by small wineries through the steam distillation method. This method presents a particularity in relation to other juice production methods, since the grapes are not macerated to extract the juice. In literature is well established that maceration of grapes is the main critical point associated with the ochratoxin A (OTA) contamination in juices. OTA is a mycotoxin with nephrotoxic and immunosuppressives effects. The aim of this study was to verify the OTA occurrence in juices produced by steam distillation method, as grape juice may be a source of OTA exposure for children. No sample showed OTA levels higher than the detection limit (0.05g L-1) of method used to determine this toxin. This study demonstrated the adequate quality of juice produced by this extraction method. Furthermore, data about OTA occurrence are important to support risk assessment studies related to the exposure to toxic compounds through diet.
O suco de uva foi incluído nas refeições de escolas públicas do estado do Rio Grande do Sul e Santa Catarina, Brasil. O suco destinado para as escolas é produzido por pequenas vinícolas através do método de arraste a vapor. Este método apresenta uma particularidade em relação aos demais métodos de produção do suco, pois as uvas não são maceradas para a extração do mosto. Cabe salientar que a maceração das uvas é o principal ponto crítico relacionado à contaminação dos sucos com ocratoxina A (OTA), que é uma micotoxina que apresenta efeitos nefrotóxicos e imunossupressores. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a ocorrência de OTA em sucos produzidos pelo método de arraste de vapor, pois o suco de uva pode ser uma fonte de exposição à OTA para crianças. Nenhuma amostra apresentou OTA em níveis maiores que o limite de detecção (0,05g L-1) do método usado para determinar esta toxina. Este resultado evidenciou a qualidade adequada do suco produzido por este método de extração. Além disso, dados sobre a ocorrência de OTA são importantes para subsidiar estudos relacionados à exposição a compostos tóxicos através da dieta.
Assuntos
Alimentação Escolar , Destilação , Doenças Transmitidas por Alimentos , Ocratoxinas , Sucos de Frutas e Vegetais/toxicidadeRESUMO
Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin with nephrotoxic, genotoxic, teratogenic and carcinogenic properties. The presence of this toxin in wines and juices occurs due to the development of toxigenic fungi in grapes. Studies have shown the presence of this toxic secondary metabolite in these beverages may results in economic losses to the winery as well as health problems for consumers. In Europe, several studies have been done in order to map the areas where the development of ochratoxigenic fungi is more favorable. However, in Brazil these studies are still incipient. The Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives of the World Health Organization (JECFA) established the safe tolerable intake of 112ng OTA per kg of body weight per week. To verify whether the population is exposed to OTA levels that pose a risk to health is necessary to compare the parameter of safe ingestion defined by JECFA with the levels of exposure to this toxin. Periodic monitoring of the OTA levels in food and beverage has been justified by some reasons including: (i) the toxic effects of this toxin, (ii) the recent publication of the Brazilian legislation establishing maximum limit for OTA, (iii) the introduction of grape juice in school meals and (iv) the recommendation of regular wine intake because of their functional properties.
A ocratoxina A (OTA) é uma micotoxina que possui propriedades nefrotóxicas, genotóxicas, teratogênicas e carcinogênicas. A presença dessa toxina em vinhos e sucos ocorre devido à contaminação das uvas por fungos toxigênicos. Estudos têm mostrado a presença desse metabólito secundário tóxico nestas bebidas, o que pode significar perdas econômicas ao setor vitícola, bem como problemas à saúde dos consumidores. Na Europa, vários estudos têm sido realizados com o objetivo de mapear as áreas em que o desenvolvimento de fungos ocratoxigênicos é mais favorável. Entretanto, no Brasil estes estudos ainda são incipientes. O Comitê de Especialistas em Aditivos Alimentares da Organização Mundial da Saúde (JECFA) estabeleceu a ingestão tolerável segura de 112ng de OTA por quilo de peso corpóreo por semana. Para verificar se população está exposta a OTA em níveis que representam risco para à saúde, é necessário comparar o parâmetro de ingestão segura, definido pelo JECFA, com os níveis de exposição a esta toxina. O monitoramento periódico dos níveis de OTA em alimentos e bebidas é justificado por alguns motivos que incluem: (i) os efeitos tóxicos dessa toxina, (ii) a publicação recente da legislação brasileira que estabelece limite máximo para OTA, (iii) a introdução do suco de uva na merenda escolar; e (iv) a recomendação da ingestão regular de vinho/suco de uva devido as suas propriedades funcionais.
RESUMO
Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin with nephrotoxic, genotoxic, teratogenic and carcinogenic properties. The presence of this toxin in wines and juices occurs due to the development of toxigenic fungi in grapes. Studies have shown the presence of this toxic secondary metabolite in these beverages may results in economic losses to the winery as well as health problems for consumers. In Europe, several studies have been done in order to map the areas where the development of ochratoxigenic fungi is more favorable. However, in Brazil these studies are still incipient. The Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives of the World Health Organization (JECFA) established the safe tolerable intake of 112ng OTA per kg of body weight per week. To verify whether the population is exposed to OTA levels that pose a risk to health is necessary to compare the parameter of safe ingestion defined by JECFA with the levels of exposure to this toxin. Periodic monitoring of the OTA levels in food and beverage has been justified by some reasons including: (i) the toxic effects of this toxin, (ii) the recent publication of the Brazilian legislation establishing maximum limit for OTA, (iii) the introduction of grape juice in school meals and (iv) the recommendation of regular wine intake because of their functional properties.(AU)
A ocratoxina A (OTA) é uma micotoxina que possui propriedades nefrotóxicas, genotóxicas, teratogênicas e carcinogênicas. A presença dessa toxina em vinhos e sucos ocorre devido à contaminação das uvas por fungos toxigênicos. Estudos têm mostrado a presença desse metabólito secundário tóxico nestas bebidas, o que pode significar perdas econômicas ao setor vitícola, bem como problemas à saúde dos consumidores. Na Europa, vários estudos têm sido realizados com o objetivo de mapear as áreas em que o desenvolvimento de fungos ocratoxigênicos é mais favorável. Entretanto, no Brasil estes estudos ainda são incipientes. O Comitê de Especialistas em Aditivos Alimentares da Organização Mundial da Saúde (JECFA) estabeleceu a ingestão tolerável segura de 112ng de OTA por quilo de peso corpóreo por semana. Para verificar se população está exposta a OTA em níveis que representam risco para à saúde, é necessário comparar o parâmetro de ingestão segura, definido pelo JECFA, com os níveis de exposição a esta toxina. O monitoramento periódico dos níveis de OTA em alimentos e bebidas é justificado por alguns motivos que incluem: (i) os efeitos tóxicos dessa toxina, (ii) a publicação recente da legislação brasileira que estabelece limite máximo para OTA, (iii) a introdução do suco de uva na merenda escolar; e (iv) a recomendação da ingestão regular de vinho/suco de uva devido as suas propriedades.(AU)
Assuntos
Ocratoxinas , Micotoxicose , VitisRESUMO
Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin with nephrotoxic, genotoxic, teratogenic and carcinogenic properties. The presence of this toxin in wines and juices occurs due to the development of toxigenic fungi in grapes. Studies have shown the presence of this toxic secondary metabolite in these beverages may results in economic losses to the winery as well as health problems for consumers. In Europe, several studies have been done in order to map the areas where the development of ochratoxigenic fungi is more favorable. However, in Brazil these studies are still incipient. The Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives of the World Health Organization (JECFA) established the safe tolerable intake of 112ng OTA per kg of body weight per week. To verify whether the population is exposed to OTA levels that pose a risk to health is necessary to compare the parameter of safe ingestion defined by JECFA with the levels of exposure to this toxin. Periodic monitoring of the OTA levels in food and beverage has been justified by some reasons including: (i) the toxic effects of this toxin, (ii) the recent publication of the Brazilian legislation establishing maximum limit for OTA, (iii) the introduction of grape juice in school meals and (iv) the recommendation of regular wine intake because of their functional properties.
A ocratoxina A (OTA) é uma micotoxina que possui propriedades nefrotóxicas, genotóxicas, teratogênicas e carcinogênicas. A presença dessa toxina em vinhos e sucos ocorre devido à contaminação das uvas por fungos toxigênicos. Estudos têm mostrado a presença desse metabólito secundário tóxico nestas bebidas, o que pode significar perdas econômicas ao setor vitícola, bem como problemas à saúde dos consumidores. Na Europa, vários estudos têm sido realizados com o objetivo de mapear as áreas em que o desenvolvimento de fungos ocratoxigênicos é mais favorável. Entretanto, no Brasil estes estudos ainda são incipientes. O Comitê de Especialistas em Aditivos Alimentares da Organização Mundial da Saúde (JECFA) estabeleceu a ingestão tolerável segura de 112ng de OTA por quilo de peso corpóreo por semana. Para verificar se população está exposta a OTA em níveis que representam risco para à saúde, é necessário comparar o parâmetro de ingestão segura, definido pelo JECFA, com os níveis de exposição a esta toxina. O monitoramento periódico dos níveis de OTA em alimentos e bebidas é justificado por alguns motivos que incluem: (i) os efeitos tóxicos dessa toxina, (ii) a publicação recente da legislação brasileira que estabelece limite máximo para OTA, (iii) a introdução do suco de uva na merenda escolar; e (iv) a recomendação da ingestão regular de vinho/suco de uva devido as suas propriedades funcionais.
RESUMO
Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin with nephrotoxic, genotoxic, teratogenic and carcinogenic properties. The presence of this toxin in wines and juices occurs due to the development of toxigenic fungi in grapes. Studies have shown the presence of this toxic secondary metabolite in these beverages may results in economic losses to the winery as well as health problems for consumers. In Europe, several studies have been done in order to map the areas where the development of ochratoxigenic fungi is more favorable. However, in Brazil these studies are still incipient. The Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives of the World Health Organization (JECFA) established the safe tolerable intake of 112ng OTA per kg of body weight per week. To verify whether the population is exposed to OTA levels that pose a risk to health is necessary to compare the parameter of safe ingestion defined by JECFA with the levels of exposure to this toxin. Periodic monitoring of the OTA levels in food and beverage has been justified by some reasons including: (i) the toxic effects of this toxin, (ii) the recent publication of the Brazilian legislation establishing maximum limit for OTA, (iii) the introduction of grape juice in school meals and (iv) the recommendation of regular wine intake because of their functional properties.
A ocratoxina A (OTA) é uma micotoxina que possui propriedades nefrotóxicas, genotóxicas, teratogênicas e carcinogênicas. A presença dessa toxina em vinhos e sucos ocorre devido à contaminação das uvas por fungos toxigênicos. Estudos têm mostrado a presença desse metabólito secundário tóxico nestas bebidas, o que pode significar perdas econômicas ao setor vitícola, bem como problemas à saúde dos consumidores. Na Europa, vários estudos têm sido realizados com o objetivo de mapear as áreas em que o desenvolvimento de fungos ocratoxigênicos é mais favorável. Entretanto, no Brasil estes estudos ainda são incipientes. O Comitê de Especialistas em Aditivos Alimentares da Organização Mundial da Saúde (JECFA) estabeleceu a ingestão tolerável segura de 112ng de OTA por quilo de peso corpóreo por semana. Para verificar se população está exposta a OTA em níveis que representam risco para à saúde, é necessário comparar o parâmetro de ingestão segura, definido pelo JECFA, com os níveis de exposição a esta toxina. O monitoramento periódico dos níveis de OTA em alimentos e bebidas é justificado por alguns motivos que incluem: (i) os efeitos tóxicos dessa toxina, (ii) a publicação recente da legislação brasileira que estabelece limite máximo para OTA, (iii) a introdução do suco de uva na merenda escolar; e (iv) a recomendação da ingestão regular de vinho/suco de uva devido as suas propriedades funcionais.