Production and migration of patulin in Penicillium expansum molded apples during cold and ambient storage

The ability of three Penicillium expansum isolates to produce patulin was first evaluated in YES medium after incubation at 25 degrees C to select a high patulin producer. Then, a spore suspension of the selected P. expansum 3.78 strain was inoculated onto the surface of Golden delicious apples and incubated at 8 or 20 degrees C until the mold lesion reached a diameter of 1, 2 or 3 cm. For each lesion size, patulin was quantified from apple samples cut into 1 cm depthwise fractions and widthwise sized cylinders. Maximum patulin concentration, about 80,000 ng/g apple, was obtained at 8 degrees C for the center and surface sample of the 3 cm diameter lesion. Patulin was systematically found at the highest concentration in the lesions, but still quantified up to one centimeter next to the lesion. Patulin concentrations were not significantly different between the 8 and 20 degrees C incubation temperature, except for the 3 cm large lesions. Based on these findings, and for lesions less than or equal to 3 cm in diameter, we recommend to consumers to cut off at least 1 cm around and below the mold spot to limit patulin exposure. Apples should also be stored at cool temperatures, below 8 degrees C, to delay lesion development.