Question

As per the FSSAI regulations, the permissible limit of Ochratoxin-A in wheat, rye and barley is -

• A. 10 \(\mu\)g/kg
• B. 20 \(\mu\)g/kg
• C. 30 \(\mu\)g/kg
• D. 40 \(\mu\)g/kg

Hint:

Mycotoxin limits vary:
- Ochratoxin-A in cereals = \(20\ \mu\text{g}/\text{kg}\)
- Total Aflatoxins (\(\text{B}_1 + \text{B}_2 + \text{G}_1 + \text{G}_2\)) in food grains = \(30\ \mu\text{g}/\text{kg}\)
- Patulin in apple juice = \(50\ \mu\text{g}/\text{kg}\)

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites synthesized by molds (fungi) infecting food grains during growth, harvest, or storage.
Because they are highly carcinogenic and nephrotoxic, food safety authorities enforce strict legal limits on their presence.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Ochratoxin-A is a potent nephrotoxic and carcinogenic mycotoxin produced mainly by species of Aspergillus (such as A. ochraceus) and Penicillium (such as P. verrucosum) in cereal grains.
Under the FSSAI (Contaminants, Toxins, and Residues) Regulations in India, the maximum permissible limit for Ochratoxin-A in wheat, rye, and barley is established as \(20\ \mu\text{g}/\text{kg}\) (or \(20\text{ ppb}\)).

Step 3: Final Answer:
The permissible limit of Ochratoxin-A is 20 \(\mu\)g/kg, which corresponds to option (B).