Determination of ochratoxin A in eggs and target tissues of experimentally drugged hens using HPLC–FLD

Ochratoxins are fungal secondary metabolites that may contaminate various foods and beverages. The intake of ochratoxins by humans may result in typical syndromes (nefrotoxicity, carcinogenity, teratogenicity and immunotoxicity) and has been associated with Balkan Endemic Nephropathy (BEN). In this study we evaluated the effects of accumulation of ochratoxin A throughout the chain production of eggs, by investigating the dynamics of OA accumulation in eggs placed by laying hens experimentally exposed to OA. It was demonstrated that after exposure at the concentrations admitted by the current European legislation (100 lg/kg) and at concentrations 20-folds as much the European Legislation limit (2000 lg/kg), OA was not detectable in the eggs, although a number of eggs were found to have altered structure or conformation and/or pathological lesions. Monitoring fungal contamination and toxins in animal feeds is necessary to guarantee animal health and to prevent the risk of decreased productions in livestock animals.