Patulin is a mycotoxin produced by a variety of moulds, particularly Aspergillus, Penicillium and Byssochlamys. It is found in rotting apples and apple products along with some mouldy fruits and other foods. Blue mould on a product is usually a good indicator that patulin is present.

In apple varieties the fungus can enter the core through the calyx or “blossom end” during early fruit development and grows within the tissues, producing patulin as it grows. Ingestion of patulin can cause nausea, gastrointestinal disorders and vomiting in humans.

The PPECB Laboratory is a SANAS accredited testing laboratory (T0248) and has been accredited for patulin testing for more than 10 years. Results are available within 24 to 72 hours after written approval is received from the client via the Service Request form.

To find out more about PPECB’s patulin testing services or for a quotation, please contact Sophie Mangena, Senior Laboratory Analyst, on 012 664 7973 or sophiem@ppecb.com.

References:

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mycotoxins, Mycotoxins, 9 May 2018
https://apal.org.au/patulin-in-apple-juice-what-you-need-to-know/, Patulin in apple juice – what you need to know, 17 June 2020