Abstract
The objective of this study was to perform a market survey on dry pet foods using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect total aflatoxins (AFs), ochratoxin A (OTA), and deoxynivalenol (DON). Pet food products (n = 58) marketed for dogs, cats, birds, and rabbits were tested in duplicate with ELISA, and results above the limit of quantitation were confirmed using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). OTA was detected in one product (rabbit food) and AFs were detected in two products (one dog treat and one bird treat). In contrast, DON was detected in the majority (74%) of products tested. Bird and rabbit products were the most affected by DON, with levels above 0.5 μg/g in 50 and 80% of samples, respectively. One rabbit sample tested positive for both OTA and DON. Overall, the findings of this study revealed a low incidence of AFs and OTA in commercial pet food. Although DON was detected in numerous products, the levels were well below those associated with acute toxic effects.
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Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank the following individuals for their assistance: Brittany Zavala, Brenda Hernandez, Glenn Woerndle, Jason Keller, Ph.D., and Lilian Were, Ph.D.
Funding
This work was supported by internal funding from the Chapman University Schmid College of Science and Technology. Helica Biosystems, Inc. donated the Total Aflatoxins and Ochratoxin A ELISA kits used in this study. The funding sources had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript; or in the decision to publish the results.
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T.P. Huynh is employed by Helica Biosystems, Inc.; T.A. Okuma was formerly employed by Helica Biosystems.
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These experiments comply with the current laws of the United States of America.
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Okuma, T.A., Huynh, T.P. & Hellberg, R.S. Use of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to screen for aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, and deoxynivalenol in dry pet foods. Mycotoxin Res 34, 69–75 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12550-017-0300-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12550-017-0300-3