Uncorrected proof 1 Method Optimization and Determination of Ochratoxin A in Red Chilli ( Capsicum annuum L . )

Present study was planned to optimize a simple and rapid quantitative chromatographic method for the determination of OTA in red chilli. The validation of methodology was carried out by spikes recoveries, inter and intraday repeatability. Mean recoveries were 92.90%, 98.33%, 96.66 and 103.60 with repeatability RSD 10.85, 16.34, 5.95 and 9.82 percent respectively and regression coefficient was 0.999. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were 0.5 ng/g and 1.0 ng/g respectively. For confirmation of the efficacy of optimized method, fifteen (n=15) samples of red chilies were randomly collected and subjected to OTA analysis. This random analysis revealed that eighty percent of samples were OTA contaminated, ranging from 2394 ng/g. Higher incidence with elevated levels of OTA in red chilli envisages an alarming situation as red chilli is an indispensible component of daily diet.