Avaliação da presença de ocratoxina A em mostos de uvas Vitis labrusca no município de Flores da Cunha

Abstract

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by filamentous fungi that occur naturally in food products. Among them, ochratoxin A (OTA) stands out for its frequent occurrence in cereals and wines, its production by Aspergillus and Penicillium species, and its well-documented toxic effects. In Brazil, the maximum permitted OTA level in wines and juices is 2.0 µg/L. Despite advances in research on this mycotoxin, information regarding its occurrence in American or hybrid grapes (Vitis labrusca), which predominate in Brazilian viticulture, particularly in Rio Grande do Sul (RS), remains limited. In this context, the objective of this study was to assess the presence and quantify the concentration of OTA in musts of the varieties Isabel, Bordô, Concord and Niágara Rosada, harvested during the 2025 season in the municipality of Flores da Cunha (RS). The musts were prepared by selecting healthy berries, followed by maceration and separation through sieving, and were subsequently characterized for their maturation degree through physicochemical analyses including °Brix, °Babo, density and total acidity. OTA determination was conducted according to method OIV-MA-AS315-10, based on high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. The methodology was adapted to reduce sample turbidity by employing filtration through a 0.45 μm membrane. Of the 12 musts analyzed, four showed signals compatible with OTA; however, none presented concentrations above the limit established by Brazilian legislation. These findings reinforce the importance of continuous monitoring, demonstrating that the safety of the final product depends on rigorous control during the earliest stages of the production chain. [resumo fornecido pelo autor]