Intraspecific variability of growth and ochratoxin A production by Aspergillus carbonarius from different foods and geographical areas.

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a nephrotoxic mycotoxin naturally found in a wide range of food commodities throughout the world. Aspergillus carbonarius is the most important source of OTA in food commodities such as wine, grapes and dried vine fruits and is also responsible for the formation of OTA in coffee.