Patulin in apple juices: Incidence and likely intake in an Indian population

Fifty samples of apple juices were investigated for patulin levels using HPLC with UV detection. It was found that 38 (76%) samples contained no detectable patulin (LOD= 7.5 mu g l(-1)) but some samples had high patulin levels (845 mu g l(-1)) compared to other branded mixed juices (21-70 mu g l(-1)) and apple juices procured from local vendors(191 mu g l(-1)). The survey provides evidence of a need to educate the apple-juice industry in the use of good quality apples for juice production. In addition. the levels of patulin found showed a saturation of the provisional maximum tolerable daily intake (PMTDI) based on intake figures in terms of an average and 90th percentile of 27-60% and 107-190%, respectively, in different age groups. This monitoring study may help in formulating guidelines for patulin levels, which are not yet implemented by Prevention of Food Adulteration (PFA) Act of India.