Technical Abstract: Ochratoxins have been overshadowed by more famous mycotoxins, but they are gaining in importance. Here we consider ochratoxins in the context of aflatoxins, which are better understood than ochratoxins on many levels. We review recent work on taxonomic distribution of ochratoxin producing molds, contamination of commodities, biosynthesis, toxicity and regulatory aspects of ochratoxins. We focus on ochratoxins in coffee, since coffee is becoming a key commodity in ochratoxin research and regulation.