A comparative study of DNA extraction methods to be used in real-time PCR based quantification of ochratoxin A-producing molds in food products

► A comparative study of six different DNA extraction methods of OTA producers from foods was carried out. ► The highest efficient method includes thermal, enzymatic lysis and Chelex treatment. ► With the developed method DNA recoveries ranging from 99 to 69% were found in all foods. ► This method allows obtaining DNA from foods to quantify OTA-producing molds by qPCR.