Prevalence and concentration of Ochratoxin A in beer: A global systematic review, meta‐analysis, and health risk assessment

In the current study, Ochratoxin A (OTA) levels and prevalence in beer were meta‐analyzed, and non‐carcinogenic risk was calculated using the target hazard quotient. Thirty papers with 70 data reports were included in our study. The pooled prevalence of OTA was 50.60%, 95% CI (confidence interval) (36.97–64.19). Five countries with the highest levels of OTA in beer were South Africa (1170.750 μg/L), Slovakia (31.300 μg/L), Portugal (3.140 μg/L), Tunisia (1.052 μg/L), and Greece (0.707 μg/L). The pooled levels of OTA were 0.089 μg/L, 95% CI (0.077–0.101 μg/L). Meta‐regression shows that OTA prevalence in beer decreased over time insignificantly (p value: .084). Except in South Africa and Slovakia, consumers in other countries are at an acceptable non‐carcinogenic risk due to OTA in beer. Hence, it is recommended that the quality of raw materials, especially barley, be controlled in the storage and processing conditions in South Africa and Slovakia.