Patulin contamination in apple products marketed in Shiraz, Southern Iran

Background and Purpose: Patulin is one of the important mycotoxins, produced by a wide range of molds, including Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Bysochlamys. Patulin is mainly found in the rotten parts of fruits and vegetables, such as apples, pears, peach, apricots, and grapes. Currently, the Codex Alimentarius and Food and Drug Administration have recommended a maximum level of ۵۰ μg/L patulin for apple products. The purpose of this study was to investigate patulin contamination of apple juice and cans in ۷۵ samples collected from ۱۵ manufacturers in Shiraz, southern Iran. Materials and Methods: The detection of patulin was accomplished using a high-performance liquid chromatography with an ultraviolet detector. Results: A total of ۳۸ apple juice samples (۵۳%) and ۱۷ apple cans (۴۵%) were contaminated with patulin. Overall ۵۰% and ۳% of the apple juice and apple cans samples had a patulin level of > ۳ μg/L. Conclusion: Although the maximum level of patulin in our samples was considerably lower than the permitted level established by the European :union: (i.e., ۵۰ μg/L), the high incidence of this mycotoxin in our samples should be lessen by improving their good manufacturing practice.

Keywords:

Apple Juice , Mycotoxin , Patulin