SR9097 - Method Validation and Monitoring Survey of Patulin in Ontario Apple Juices and Ciders

Researcher:

Nick Schrier, Laboratory Services Division, University of Guelph

Objectives:

To validate an analytical method for patulin in apple juice and cider to allow both regulatory and service (quality control) analysis of these products for patulin. A monitoring study will also be conducted to determine the incidence and magnitude of patulin in Ontario-produced apple juice and cider.

Expected Benefits:

Completion of this research will:

1. establish a validated analytical method for patulin in apple juice and cider

2. allow for regulatory and quality control analysis to ensure compliance at a 50 ug/L actionable concentration

3. support a HACCP-like program to ensure continued production of Ontario apple juice and cider that met international safety standards

4. allow OMAFRA and producers to promote the high quality of Ontario-produced apple juice and cider, and

5. protect consumers, and especially infants and children, from exposure to this toxic compound.

Summary of Research Results:

This research has established the validation of the AOAC method , 995.10, for quantifying patulin in apple juice. This method is preferred over the Romer method due to the sample stability and quality
control measures inherent in the AOAC method. The AOAC and Romer methods both experienced analytical difficulties with ciders. The majority of ciders were fermented so that difficulties could be attributed to patulin degradation through fermentation and/or the presence of phenolic compounds. Fermentation appeared to be the major problem as a few fresh ciders were successfully analyzed using the AOAC method.