Research Article

Occurrence and Levels of Ochratoxin A in Dried Fruits Marketed in Elazığ, Türkiye

Volume: 10 Number: 2 September 15, 2026

Occurrence and Levels of Ochratoxin A in Dried Fruits Marketed in Elazığ, Türkiye

Abstract

Objective: Mycotoxins are poisonous compounds produced by fungi that can lead to significant detrimental effects on human and animal health. Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a prevalent mycotoxin in food, significant for its nephrotoxic, immunotoxic, teratogenic, and potentially carcinogenic properties. Materials and Methods: This study aims to ascertain the presence and concentrations of OTA in the dried raisins, apricot, fig, and date samples available for sale in Elazığ. A total of 64 dried fruit samples (16 raisins, 16 apricots, 16 figs, and 16 dates) collected from retail outlets between March and May 2026 were tested via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results: The study revealed that OTA was quantitatively identified in 42.2% of the samples, with an average value of 2473.44 ± 1955.83 µg/kg in the positive samples. Upon separate evaluation of product groupings, the OTA positive rates were found to be 31.3% in raisins, 43.8% in dried apricots, and 93.8% in dried figs, however no OTA levels over the detection limit were seen in date samples. The highest level of OTA concentration was detected in the dried fig samples (3181.40 ± 2225.08 µg/kg). All positive samples had OTA levels exceeding the maximum permissible limit (10 µg/kg) established by the Turkish Food Codex for dried fruits. Conclusion: In conclusion, certain dried fruits available for purchase in Elazığ province have elevated levels of OTA contamination, and those sold openly provide a potential hazard. Consequently, consistent surveillance of OTA contamination in dried fruits and heightened scrutiny of storage conditions are essential for safeguarding public health.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK) 2209-A

Project Number

Application No: 1919B012432039

Ethical Statement

An ethics committee decision for this study was obtained from the Firat University Non-Interventional Research Ethics Committee (Decision No: 2025/09, dated 03.07.2025).

Thanks

This study was supported by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK) under the 2209-A University Students Research Projects Support Program (Application No: 1919B012432039).

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Veterinary Pharmacology

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

September 15, 2026

Submission Date

July 4, 2026

Acceptance Date

September 8, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 10 Number: 2

APA
Korkak, F. A., Morgül, T., Akat, E. M., & Keskin Alkaç, Z. (2026). Occurrence and Levels of Ochratoxin A in Dried Fruits Marketed in Elazığ, Türkiye. Turkish Journal of Veterinary Research, 10(2). https://izlik.org/JA32NG27ZY
AMA
1.Korkak FA, Morgül T, Akat EM, Keskin Alkaç Z. Occurrence and Levels of Ochratoxin A in Dried Fruits Marketed in Elazığ, Türkiye. TJVR. 2026;10(2). https://izlik.org/JA32NG27ZY
Chicago
Korkak, Fatih Ahmet, Tuana Morgül, Enes Melih Akat, and Zeliha Keskin Alkaç. 2026. “Occurrence and Levels of Ochratoxin A in Dried Fruits Marketed in Elazığ, Türkiye”. Turkish Journal of Veterinary Research 10 (2). https://izlik.org/JA32NG27ZY.
EndNote
Korkak FA, Morgül T, Akat EM, Keskin Alkaç Z (September 1, 2026) Occurrence and Levels of Ochratoxin A in Dried Fruits Marketed in Elazığ, Türkiye. Turkish Journal of Veterinary Research 10 2
IEEE
[1]F. A. Korkak, T. Morgül, E. M. Akat, and Z. Keskin Alkaç, “Occurrence and Levels of Ochratoxin A in Dried Fruits Marketed in Elazığ, Türkiye”, TJVR, vol. 10, no. 2, Sept. 2026, [Online]. Available: https://izlik.org/JA32NG27ZY
ISNAD
Korkak, Fatih Ahmet - Morgül, Tuana - Akat, Enes Melih - Keskin Alkaç, Zeliha. “Occurrence and Levels of Ochratoxin A in Dried Fruits Marketed in Elazığ, Türkiye”. Turkish Journal of Veterinary Research 10/2 (September 1, 2026). https://izlik.org/JA32NG27ZY.
JAMA
1.Korkak FA, Morgül T, Akat EM, Keskin Alkaç Z. Occurrence and Levels of Ochratoxin A in Dried Fruits Marketed in Elazığ, Türkiye. TJVR. 2026;10. Available at https://izlik.org/JA32NG27ZY.
MLA
Korkak, Fatih Ahmet, et al. “Occurrence and Levels of Ochratoxin A in Dried Fruits Marketed in Elazığ, Türkiye”. Turkish Journal of Veterinary Research, vol. 10, no. 2, Sept. 2026, https://izlik.org/JA32NG27ZY.
Vancouver
1.Fatih Ahmet Korkak, Tuana Morgül, Enes Melih Akat, Zeliha Keskin Alkaç. Occurrence and Levels of Ochratoxin A in Dried Fruits Marketed in Elazığ, Türkiye. TJVR [Internet]. 2026 Sep. 1;10(2). Available from: https://izlik.org/JA32NG27ZY