Patulin Contamination of Citrus Fruits from Punjab and Northern Pakistan and Estimation of Associated Dietary Intake

Abstract

This research aims to assess the natural occurrence of patulin (PAT) in selected citrus fruits from central cities of Punjab and Pakistan’s northern cities. A total of 2970 fruit samples from 12 citrus cultivars were examined using liquid chromatography fitted with a UV detector. The detection limit (LOD) and quantification limit were 0.04 and 0.12 µg/kg, respectively. About 56% of samples of citrus fruits from Punjab’s central cities, Pakistan, were found to be contaminated with PAT, with values ranging from 0.12 to 1150 µg/kg in samples from central Punjab cities. Furthermore, 31.7% of samples of citrus fruits from northern cities of Pakistan were contaminated with PAT, with values ranging from 0.12 to 320 µg/kg. About 22.1% of citrus fruit samples had PAT levels greater than the suggested limits established by the European Union (EU). The dietary intake levels of PAT ranged from 0.10 to 1.11 µg/kg bw/day in the central cities of Punjab, Pakistan, and 0.13 to 1.93 µg/kg bw/day in the northern cities of Pakistan.

Mycotoxin patulin contamination in various fruits and estimating its dietary impact on the consumers: From orchard to table

“…The LOD and LOQ documented in the current study were relatively high compared to earlier studies [ 25 , 26 ]. Pernica et al [ 27 ] have reported the levels of LOD and LOQ of 4.9 and 6.6 μg/L of patulin.…”

“…The results have revealed that the maximum average value of patulin was found in golden apples and juices, i.e., 310.8 ± 21.5 μg/kg and 290.8 ± 14.6 μg/kg, respectively (higher levels compared to the results of current findings). The level of patulin was documented in 2970 citrus fruit samples, and 31.7 % of samples have values of patulin of 0.12–320 μg/kg, and 22.1 % of samples have levels of patulin greater than the maximum limit of European Union (50 μg/kg) [ 26 ].…”

Comprehensive review on patulin and Alternaria toxins in fruit and derived products

“…Patulin causes various acute, chronic, and cellular levels in humans ( Fung and Clark, 2004 ). Ingestion of patulin can lead to a range of adverse effects, including agitation, convulsions, dyspnea, pulmonary congestion, edema, ulceration, hyperemia, distension of the gastrointestinal tract, intestinal hemorrhage, degeneration of epithelial cells, inflammation of the intestines, vomiting, and damage to the gastrointestinal and kidney tissues ( Celli et al., 2009 ; Pal et al., 2017 ; Aslam et al., 2021 ). Additionally, chronic health risks associated with patulin consumption include neurotoxic, immunotoxin, immunosuppressive, genotoxic, teratogenic, and carcinogenic effects ( Abrunhosa et al., 2016 ; Boussabbeh et al., 2016 ; Ülger et al., 2020 ; Cimbalo et al., 2020 ; Ráduly et al., 2020 ).…”

Diversity of Mycotoxins and Other Secondary Metabolites Recovered from Blood Oranges Infected by Colletotrichum, Alternaria, and Penicillium Species

“…The genus Citrus , family Rutaceae , comprises some of the most widely cultivated fruit crops worldwide, such as oranges, lemons, tangerines, mandarins, limes, grapefruits, and citrons [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. Globally, citrus fruits are cultivated in tropical, subtropical, and temperate climates in more than 140 countries and are consumed mainly as fresh fruit or juice [ 4 ].…”

“…In fruits and juices, only PAT and OTA are regulated [ 41 ]. For PAT, the European Union (EU) [ 53 ] set a maximum level of 50 µg/kg in fruit juices, concentrated fruit juices, fruit nectars, cider, and other fermented drinks derived from apples or containing apple juice [ 3 , 54 ]. A limit of 25 µg/kg has been implemented in processed solid apple products (apple compote or apple puree intended for direct consumption) [ 38 , 54 ] and 10 µg/kg for apple-derived products intended for young children and infants [ 38 , 54 ].…”