Soheyl Eskandari, Alireza Bakhtiyari, Ali Mirzakhani, Saeed Aghebat-Bekheir, Parisa Shavali-Gilani,
Volume 18, Issue 4 (3-2026)
Background and Objective: Patulin is one of the most important mycotoxins produced by a wide range of molds. The main source of this mycotoxin is rotten fruits, especially apple juice. Patulin may damage the liver, spleen, and kidneys and cause seizures, edema, intestinal inflammation, and vomiting. Patulin may also have genotoxic and neurotoxic properties and disrupt the functioning of the immune and nervous systems.
Materials and Methods: In this study, the concentration of patulin in 34 random samples of fruit juice, including 26 apple juice samples, 4 apple and banana mixed juice samples, 2 apple and kiwi mixed juice samples, and 2 pomegranate juice samples sold in stores in Tehran in May 2024, was measured and reported using the HPLC-UV method.
Results: The LOD and LOQ levels were 1.21 and 3.49 µg/kg, respectively, and the recovery percentage was between 91 and 97 percent. The mean and standard deviation of patulin concentration in a total of 34 samples was 13.425 ± 21.348 µg/kg, which was below the permissible limit of the Iranian standard and Codex (50 µg/kg), and only the findings related to one of the samples were higher than the standard limit (14.88 µg/kg).
Conclusion: The results of this study show that the levels of patulin in the samples examined are mostly within the limits of Iranian and Codex standards. However, more comprehensive studies with a larger number of samples are recommended for a more accurate assessment of potential risks.
