Alternaria toxins in tomato ketchup
With the first rays of sunshine in spring, the first barbecues are fired up again. And what should not be missing on the table? Ketchup! Even in everyday life, ketchup is one of the kitchen favorites and is not missing in any refrigerator. But can it be consumed without hesitation?
Ökotest tested and evaluated 20 different tomato ketchups.
Alternaria toxins spoil the pleasure
Alternaria toxins are a group of toxic secondary metabolites produced by certain species of the genus Alternaria and belong to the group of mycotoxins. These fungi are found widely in the environment and can grow on a variety of plants, including food and feed crops.
Alternaria toxins can be found in various foods such as grain products, vegetables, fruits, and dairy products. Some of the best known Alternaria toxins are alternariol (AOH), alternariol monomethyl ether (AME), and tentoxin.
It is believed that Alternaria toxins can be harmful to health and are suspected to have carcinogenic effects.
For processed tomato products, Recommendation (EU) 2022/553 provides guidance values of
- 10 μg/kg for alternariol
- 5 μg/kg for alternariol monomethyl ether
- 500 μg/kg for tenuazonic acid
In the tests performed, the guideline value for alternariol was exceeded in one sample. In addition, the values for tenuazonic acid were elevated in three samples.
Our laboratory bilacon is your partner!
The lab bilacon is your partner for the analysis of Alternaria toxins and will be happy to provide you with comprehensive advice in this regard. In addition, we have a wide range of analyses and can also support you with other mycotoxins, contaminants, residues as well as specific parameters such as lycopene and ergosterol.
Source: Ökotest