Occurrence of ochratoxin A in Algerian wheat and its milling derivatives

To determine the concentrations of ochratoxin A in wheat, and its derivatives, 81 samples, including durum wheat (n = 27), common wheat (n = 12), semolina (n = 29) and flour (n = 13) were collected from regions of Algeria. The results showed that 62 of the 81 samples (76.54%), were contaminated with quantities of ochratoxin A ranging from 0.84 to 34.75 µg/kg. The results showed that 69.23% of wheat grains were contaminated with ochratoxin A (0.21–27.31 µg/kg). Ochratoxin A were detected both in semolina and flour manufacturing process (0.16–34.75 µg/kg). Ochratoxin A level seem to be a serious public health problem in Algeria