Survey of wheat for ochratoxin A

This survey was undertaken following concerns that unseasonably damp weather conditions immediately prior to and during the 2004 English harvest may have led to cereal grain being stored at inappropriate moisture levels.

Storage of cereals, such as wheat, under such conditions has been shown to lead to growth of moulds, which can produce harmful chemicals known as mycotoxins, particularly ochratoxin A.

This survey aimed to examine if this was an issue of concern and allow the Agency to take appropriate action if required.

The concentration of ochratoxin A was determined in 115 samples of wheat. These were taken from six mills at different locations across England. In those samples where ochratoxin A was detectable, levels found were generally low and in each case below the regulatory limit for ochratoxin A in raw cereals. Ochratoxin A was detected in 34 (30 %) of the wheat samples analysed.

The results of the survey suggest that damp conditions experienced during the 2004 harvest do not appear to have led to increased levels of ochratoxin A in unprocessed wheat entering the food chain. Consumers can therefore be reassured of the safety of this wheat and do not need to change their diet as a result of this survey.