Ochratoxin A in Rice Marketed in United Arab Emirates. (c2022)

Rice is one of the most consumed staple foods around the world. A. Circumdati, A. Nigri, P. verrucosum, and P. nordicum can contaminate rice in subtropical and tropical hot and humid climates, which leads to mycotoxins secretion, like the carcinogenic ochratoxin A (OTA). Our study aims to investigate the amounts of OTA in packaged rice sold in United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the exposure to this toxin from rice consumption. A total of 127 packed white, parboiled, and brown rice bags were collected in two rounds, where 89 brands were identified. Out of 89 which, 38 were collected twice, while the remaining 51 brands were found in the market at either the first or second collection, but not both. OTA was measured using Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) technique. OTA was detected in 127 out of 127 (100%) of the rice samples. The average concentration ± standard deviation of OTA was 0.29±0.08 μg/kg. Contamination ranged between 0.02 and 9.58 μg/kg. Moisture content in all rice samples was below the limit (14%). Only 2 samples (1.6%) had an OTA level above the EU limit (5 μg/kg). OTA in brown rice was higher than in white and parboiled rice, yet the difference was not significant. Packing season, packing country, and country of origin, did not have any significant effect. The presence of a food safety management certification resulted in a significant lower OTA level (p=0.04), while a significant difference was found between both collections for the same brands (p=0.001). Exposure to OTA from rice consumption was calculated as 0.2 ng/kg body weight/day.