Reduce mycotoxins to Keep it Clean! - Safe storage for cereals

A recent spate of wet weather across the Prairies has prompted Keep it Clean! to issue a reminder to cereals growers of the potential for the formation of Ochratoxin A (OTA), a potent mycotoxin that forms in high moisture conditions.

“With the current conditions in Western Canada, it is important that growers are aware of OTA and the conditions under which it can form,” says Brenna Mahoney, director of communications and stakeholder relation for Cereals Canada. “By understanding what OTA is and how and when it forms during storage, growers can take proactive steps to safely store their grain and keep it free of OTA.”

OTA is produced by Penicillium verrucosum, a naturally occurring soil fungus. Unlike deoxynivalenol (also known as DON or vomitoxin) which is formed in the field, OTA forms exclusively in storage. OTA is strictly regulated in Europe but not yet in Canada or the USA. However, because of its potential risk to human health, OTA is carefully monitored by end users such as food processors, Cfia/health Canada, and the US Food and Drug Administration.

The most common source of Penicillium verrucosum spores is from soil particles, last year’s stored grain, grain handling equipment, and residues remaining in the bin. Penicillium can grow in small pockets of wet grain, or when water comes in contact with grain – even in bins that are generally well managed and properly aerated.

Growers are urged to adhere to the following protocols for safe storage to mitigate the risk of OTA forming in their grain:

• Keep bins and grain handling equipment clean, thoroughly cleaning dust and debris between grain lots.

• Ensure crops are harvested or dried to a safe level for storage.

• Cool the grain quickly to well below 10°C and keep it cool for as long as possible to minimize condensation in the bin. Even fine droplets of condensate can allow the fungus to grow.

Visit https://keepingitclean.ca/cereals/storage for further information on OTA and how it forms, along with visual examples of OTA formation at critical points of handling and storage.

Prevention of even small pockets of Ota-contaminated grain during storage is the only way that it can be managed

Southwest producers have a pair of opportunities to attend a district meeting of the Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association.

The District 4 meeting is set for the Legion Hall in Maple Creek on October 24, with the District 3B meeting slated for October 28 at the Eagles Club in Swift Current.

These sessions act as a forum for producers to learn about what is happening in the industry and about what the organization is doing. It is also a great opportunity to ask questions or provide comments on those things to protect health and prevent product recalls. By taking steps to prevent the formation of OTA in stored grain, growers can protect their investments and help keep markets open for all. that are important to cattlemen.

These meetings are also a forum for any and all resolutions that members would like to see brought forward at the SCA Annual General Meeting in January 2020. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and all meetings will start at 5 p.m., and will include a free supper. Producers are welcome to come early or just for the meeting, depending on their schedule.

If you want more information about the sessions in your area visit saskbeef. com or call the SCA office at 306-5852333 or email info@saskbeef.com.