Assessment of ochratoxin A occurrence in poultry feed in eastern Algeria

This study investigated the prevalence of the mycotoxin Ochratoxin A in poultry feed samples from Eastern Algeria, an important poultry production region. Ochratoxin A, produced by Aspergillus and Penicillium fungi, can contaminate feed, leading to toxicity issues for poultry and human beings consuming contaminated products. Analysis of 42 feed samples using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), found 62% contained detectable ochratoxin A levels exceeding the concentration of 1.50 ng g−1, varying between 2.23 ng g−1 and 3.23 ng g−1 with an average of 2.59 ng g−1. Although the widespread prevalence is below current regulatory limits, there is a need for continued monitoring to prevent contamination and toxin transfer to poultry meat and eggs. The study recommends expanding testing to more regions and implementing Ochratoxin A surveillance. This is a feed – and food – safety issue on a large scale, with implications for other countries in North Africa.