The prevalence and concentration of ochratoxin A in meat and edible offal: A global systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

The prevalence of ochratoxin A (OTA) in meat, edible offal, and meat products (MOP) was assessed through systematic review and meta-analysis. Four electronic databases were used to gather data from 1975 to September 15, 2022. Seventy-five articles comprising 8585 samples were identified and analyzed. The studies included in the analysis were conducted at a global level, with a predominant focus on Europe [72% (54/75)], Asia [13.33% (10/75)], Africa [13.33% (10/75)], and North America [1.33% (1/75)]. The overall prevalence of OTA in MOP was 39%. The highest and lowest prevalence percentages were recorded in Iraq (77%) and the USA (3%), respectively. Concerning food type, OTA prevalence was highest in the poultry gizzard (66%) and lowest in the cow liver (2%). The overall concentration of OTA in the MOP was 1.789 μg/kg. Poultry kidneys had the highest concentration of OTA (0.880-22.984 μg/kg), while pork had the lowest concentration (0.127-0.824 μg/kg). Conspicuous amounts of OTA contamination have been reported in fermented sausages. The lowest OTA concentration was found in Belgium (0.220 μg/kg) and the highest in Denmark (60.527μg/kg). These results can help food authorities minimize and control OTA in the MOP.

Keywords: Food safety; Meat; Meta-analysis; Mycotoxin; Ochratoxin A; Prevalence.