Risk assessment of patulin intake from apple containing products by young children

Patulin is a mycotoxin for which a provisional maximum tolerable daily intake (PMTDI) of 400 ng/kg bodyweight/day has been set based on its most sensitive toxic effect, growth retardation. Apple containing products are the major source for patulin exposure, with major intake differences according to age and living region. Young children are most at risk of patulin intoxication, because they consume much higher amounts of apple products than adults. In this study, the patulin intake was calculated for Dutch children of 8 to 48 months and the risks of patulin intoxication were assessed. In addition, the bioaccessibility of patulin from apple containing products was investigated for a more refined risk assessment of patulin. The bioaccessibility of patulin was high, varying between 55 and 100%, and, consequently, no refinement of the risk assessment was possible. Based on the probabilistic intake calculations, children are exposed to levels below the PMTDI. Children aged 13-20 months with a high organic apple product intake have the highest patulin exposure, 342 ng/kg bodyweight/day at the upper confidence interval of the P95. No harmful effects are expected with the current patulin intake in young children. No concentration data are available for baby food (organic and conventional) and, therefore, concentrations were set at half the legal limit for intake calculations. Concentration data are needed for a more refined intake calculation for children younger than one year to estimate the actual risk in these children, because baby food comprises 23% of their diet.