Prevention of ochratoxin a in cereals

Objective

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin of considerable concern for human health and is classified as a possible human carcinogen. The scientific Committee for Food has concluded that the intake of OTA should be reduced as far as possible, e.g. below 5 ng/kg body weight/day. Cereals normally correspond to 50-80% of average consumer intake. Consequently, prevention of OTA formation by specific moulds in cereals would have a significant impact on levels of human exposure. The aim of this multidisciplinary project is to identify the key elements in an effective HACCP programme for OTA in cereals, and provide tools for preventative and control procedures. The OTA producing fungi will be identified and characterised in order to identify the sources of contamination. New knowledge concerning the microbial ecology of the OTA producing fungi will be provided. Rapid detection methods of OTA (biosensor) and for producing fungi (ELISA and PCR) will be developed.

Fields of science

• engineering and technology › electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering › electronic engineering › sensors › biosensors
• natural sciences › biological sciences › ecology
• natural sciences › biological sciences › microbiology › mycology
• agricultural sciences › agriculture, forestry, and fisheries › agriculture › grains and oilseeds › cereals

Programme(s)

• FP5-LIFE QUALITY - Specific Programme for research, technological development and demonstration on "Quality of life and management of living resources", 1998-2002

Topic(s)

• 1.1.1.-1. - Key action Food, Nutrition and Health

Call for proposal

Data not available

Funding Scheme

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

N/A

Participants (12)

AB AKRON-MASKINER

Sweden

Address

.
531 04 Lidkoeping

ADGEN LTD.

United Kingdom

Address

Newes Gate
KA6 5HW Auchincruive - Ayr

CRANFIELD UNIVERSITY*

United Kingdom

Address

Wharley End
MK43 0AL Cranfield,bedford

NATIONAL VETERINARY AND FOOD RESEARCH INSTITUTE

Finland

Address

Hsmeentie 57
00231 Helsinki

OY PANIMOLABORATORIO-BRYGGERILABORATORIUM AB

Finland

Address

Tietotie 2
02151 Espoo

STIFTELSEN JTI - INSTITUTET FÖR JORDBRUKS- OCH MILJOTEKNIK

Sweden

Address

Ultunaallen 4
750 05 Uppsala

SVENSKA LANTMAENNEN EK. FOER.

Sweden

Address

10425 Stockholm

TECHNICAL RESEARCH CENTRE OF FINLAND

Finland

Address

5,vuorimiehentie 5
02044 Espoo

TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF DENMARK

Denmark

Address

Dtu, Blgd. 221
2800 Lyngby

THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

United Kingdom

Address

Sand Hutton
YO41 1LZ York

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK, NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND, CORK

Ireland

Address

Western Road Biomerit
30 Cork

UNIVERSITY OF ROME "LA SAPIENZA"

Italy

Address

2,piazzale Aldo Moro 5
00185 Roma