Patulin Determination: Mycotoxin Analysis and Safety in Foods

What is Patulin?

Patulin is a mycotoxin produced by some molds such as Penicillium and Aspergillus species. Found mainly in fruits and vegetables, especially apples and apple-based products, patulin can pose a serious risk to human health. This toxin is very important for food safety because it can be a potential source of contamination in both food and beverages.

What is Patulin?

Patulin is a mycotoxin and occurs mainly in fruits such as apples, pears and grapes. It is an organic compound with a lactone structure. It is highly biologically active and usually occurs in fruit rot and spoilage. It is highly resistant to high temperatures and can be difficult to completely eliminate during processes such as cooking.

What are the Sources of Contamination?

• Apples and Apple Products: Rotting or spoilage of apples can produce high levels of patulin.
• Fruit Juice and Wines: Patulin contamination can be common in fruit drinks such as apple juice and grape juice.
• Dried Fruits: Patulin levels can also be high in dried fruit products.

What are the Health Effects of Patulin?

• Liver and Kidney Damage: Patulin can have toxic effects on the liver and kidney.
• Effects on the Immune System: Patulin can weaken the body's defense mechanisms by suppressing the immune system.
• Genotoxicity: Patulin can damage genetic material and may have carcinogenic potential.
• Effects on the Nervous System: High exposure may cause damage to the nervous system, with symptoms such as dizziness and headaches.
• Pregnant Women and Children: Patulin can adversely affect fetal development during pregnancy. Children are more sensitive to toxins, increasing the risk
• Patulin can cause acute poisoning. Consumption of food containing high levels of patulin can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and headaches.
• Long-term low-dose exposure can lead to chronic health problems.

What are the legal limits for patulin?

Many countries around the world have set legal limits for patulin. These limits apply in particular to fruit juice and fruit-based products.

a) European Union

• Fruit Juices and Wines: 50 µg/L.
• Apples and Apple Products: 50 µg/kg.
• Baby Foods: 10 µg/kg.

b) Turkey

• The Turkish Food Codex has set limits for patulin in line with the European Union.
• Fruit Juices: 50 µg/L.
• Apple Products: 50 µg/kg.

c) United States of America

• FDA: 50 µg/L limit for patulin.
• Baby Foods: 10 µg/kg.

Nano-lab Laboratories Group continues to provide services within the scope of Patulin Determination. We also provide services in Mycotoxin Determination.

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