Abstract
The prime objective of the current study was to investigate the occurrence of mycotoxin patulin (PAT) in apples, grapes and their value added products. PAT was determined by a validated method based on HPLC with UV detector. A total of 381 samples comprising apple and grape fruits (n = 133 each), apple-based products (n = 76, juice, puree, jam) and grape juice (n = 39) were analyzed. PAT was found in 58.9% samples of apple and apple-based products, with a mean of 49.8 µg/kg (maximum 396 µg/kg), while 27.3% samples contained PAT beyond the maximum regulatory limit of 50 µg/kg. The average levels of PAT contamination in apple-derived products was higher in apple juice concentrate, followed by apple puree, apple juice and apple jam. The incidence of PAT in table grapes was 65.1%, with a mean of 53.9 µg/kg (maximum 505 µg/kg), whereas 23.8% exceeded the maximum level. Among the fruit samples, there were differences in PAT contents due to apple variety (6 types) or grape variety (8 types), as well as for sampling location. Our investigations showed the wide PAT occurrence in fruits and derived value-added products affecting consumer product safety, so that the population is chronically exposed to this toxin.
Highlights
Pakistan is located in South Asia with an extremely diverse climate that varies from tropical to temperate and even cold in the northern part
The detection limit (LOD) and the limit of quantification (LOQ) values were calculated according to s/n = 3 and s/n = 10, respectively
Our study indicated that patulin is frequently detected in apple and apple products throughout
Summary
Pakistan is located in South Asia with an extremely diverse climate that varies from tropical to temperate and even cold in the northern part. The diversity of the landscape and climate in Pakistan allows a wide variety of fruit trees that produce fruits with good flavor and taste, which are available throughout the year. Apple fruits are cultivated and harvested in the northern geographic area whereas grapes are mainly grown in the central part of the country. The different fruit varieties are cultivated in an area of around 800,000 hectares (11% Ha under apples and 2% Ha for grapes) with a total production of 7.05 million tons (8% apples and 1% grapes) [1]. During the 2017–2018 crop season, only 10% of the entire fruit production was exported. Fruits are generally high in fiber, vitamin C, beta-carotene and antioxidants, and have a significant role in the human diet, as their intake
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