Survey of ochratoxin A in UK retail coffees.
A new method providing sensitivity to low concentrations was developed for the analysis of ochratoxin A in roast and ground and soluble coffee and a survey has been carried out to determine levels of ochratoxin A (OTA) in 100 samples of retail coffees available in the UK. The survey covered 80 soluble coffees (granulated, powdered, freeze-dried), of which nine products were decaffeinated, and 20 roast and ground retail coffee samples. OTA was detected (> or = 0.1 microgram/kg) in 64 samples of soluble coffee at levels ranging from 0.1 to 8 micrograms/kg. Seventeen samples of roast and ground coffee contained OTA at levels between 0.2 and 2.1 micrograms/kg. These results indicate that coffee products are not a major dietary source of OTA in the UK.
Patel
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S
RHM Technology Ltd, Lord Rank Centre, Buckinghamshire, UK.
Hazel
C M
CM
Winterton
A G
AG
Gleadle
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AE
D002273:Carcinogens / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000032:analysis*; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D003069:Coffee / Q000737:chemistry*; D005506:Food Contamination; D005511:Food Handling; D009183:Mycotoxins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000032:analysis*; D009793:Ochratoxins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000032:analysis*; D006113:United Kingdom
D002273:Carcinogens; D003069:Coffee; D009183:Mycotoxins; D009793:Ochratoxins; C025589:ochratoxin A