Oats are often touted for boosting heart
health, but scientists warn that the grain and its products might need closer
monitoring for potential mold contamination.
A report in American Chemical Society’s
Journal of Agricultural and Food
Chemistry that some oat-based breakfast cereals in the United States contain a
mold-related toxin called ochratoxin A (OTA) that's been linked to kidney
cancer in animal studies.
The findings could have implications for
consumer health.
Dojin Ryu and Hyun Jung Lee note that
OTA is one of the most common toxic products released by molds in the world.
Previous studies have found the toxin in
samples of pork, dried fruits, wine, coffee and other products.
Scientists don't yet know how the toxin
affects human health, but the International Agency for Research on Cancer,
which is part of the World Health Organization, classifies it as a possible
human carcinogen.
On the basis of analysis of 500 samples
of breakfast cereals, the researchers conclude that oat production, storage and
processing need careful review to better protect consumer health.
