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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Peoria, Illinois » National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research » Mycotoxin Prevention and Applied Microbiology Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #393667
Research Project: Innovative Approaches to Monitor, Predict, and Reduce Fungal Toxins

Location: Mycotoxin Prevention and Applied Microbiology Research

Title: Cyclopiazonic acid in soft-ripened and blue cheeses marketed in the USA

Author
item Maragos, Chris
item Probyn, Crystal
item Proctor, Robert
item Sieve, Kristal

Submitted to: Food Additives & Contaminants. Part B: Surveillance
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/31/2022
Publication Date: 8/23/2022
Citation: Maragos, C.M., Probyn, C., Proctor, R.H., Sieve, K.K. 2022. Cyclopiazonic acid in soft-ripened and blue cheeses marketed in the USA. Food additives & contaminants. Part B: Surveillance. 16(1):14-23. https://doi.org/10.1080/19393210.2022.2109213.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/19393210.2022.2109213

Interpretive Summary: Fungi from the genus Penicillium are used in the ripening of two popular types of cheese: soft-ripened cheeses (Brie, Camembert, etc.) and blue-veined cheeses (Roquefort, Stilton, Gorgonzola, DanaBlu, etc.). However, certain strains of these fungi produce toxins (mycotoxins). One such mycotoxin, a-cyclopiazonic acid (CPA), is a neurotoxin. Data on the levels of CPA in cheeses marketed in the USA are extremely limited. An antibody-based assay (ELISA) was adapted for measuring CPA in 254 samples of soft-ripened and blue-veined cheeses. CPA was detected in 46% of soft-ripened cheeses and in 24% of blue-veined cheeses, generally at low levels, however higher levels were occasionally found. The impact of such levels upon consumers is likely low, but the true implication of such exposures is unknown, as a consensus for acceptable intake remains to be established.

Technical Abstract: Strains of Penicillium camemberti and P. roqueforti are used in the production of soft-ripened and blue-veined cheeses. However, some strains can produce toxic secondary metabolites (mycotoxins), including a-cyclopiazonic acid (CPA), a neurotoxin. Data on the levels of CPA in cheeses marketed in the USA are extremely limited. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was adapted for measuring CPA in soft-ripened and blue-veined cheeses. Recoveries from cheese curds were 103'±'27% (n'='30). A total of 254 samples of soft-ripened, blue and miscellaneous cheeses were examined. CPA was detected in 36/79 (45.6%) of soft-ripened cheeses and in 41/168 (24.4%) of blue-veined cheeses. Median levels in positive samples were 48.5'µg/kg and 30'µg/kg, respectively. The highest levels found were 3,820'µg/kg (in a Brie), 1,250'µg/kg (in a blue) and 7,900'µg/kg (in a Monte Enebro). The implication of such exposures is unknown, as a consensus on acceptable intake remains to be established.