Ochratoxin A detection by HPLC-FL in Processed Baby Foods

270 samples of different types of pasta and cereal products, distributed in a nursery school canteen in Milan (Italy), were analyzed to estimate the occurrence of ochratoxin A. OTA was found in all analyzed samples (100%), 39 samples exceeded the maximum limit established by European Commission Regulation for OTA in the foodstuffs listed in the relevant category. The mean concentration of ochratoxin A in samples of pasta, intended for children (over 5 months) consumption was 0.56 μg/kg; the mean concentration in organic pasta was 0.91 μg/kg and the mean concentration detected in cereal products was 3.12 μg/kg. Considering that in European Countries wheat products are the first solid food eaten by babies from the earliest stages of weaning and in the light of the multiple and repeated international food alert notification on OTA occurrence in cereals and cereals product, surveillance should be continuous for an effective risk assessment, especially in these vulnerable groups of consumers.