Precise determination of the Alternaria mycotoxins alternariol and alternariol monomethyl ether in cereal, fruit and vegetable products using stable isotope dilution assays

Abstract

Cereal, fruit and vegetable products were analyzed for contamination with the Alternaria mycotoxins alternariol (AOH) and alternariol monomethyl ether (AME) using stable isotope dilution assays (SIDAs). Both toxins were practically not detected in cereals and cereal products: AOH-one out of 13 samples at a content of 4.1 μg/kg; AME-two out of 13 samples at contents ranging between 0.2 and 0.6 μg/kg. However, if cereals for animal nutrition were analyzed, much higher values were found: AOH-five out of six samples (13-250 μg/kg); AME-six out of six samples (3-100 μg/kg). This finding may pose a potential problem concerning animal health. AOH and AME were frequently detected in vegetable products: AOH-5 out of 10 samples (2.6-25 μg/kg); AME-6 out of 10 samples (0.1-5 μg/kg). Tomato products were affected, especially. The highest content of AOH (25 μg/kg) and AME (5 μg/kg) were found in triple concentrated tomato paste. Special wines like "Trockenbeerenauslese" or "Spätlese" (affected by noble rot in the vineyard) contained AOH (4/6 samples; 1.2-4.9 μg/kg) and AME (4/6 samples; 0.1-0.3 μg/kg), but the values did not exceed the values of both toxins that were found generally in wines.

Dietary exposure assessment to Alternaria toxins in the European population

“…A total of 12 samples of fresh tomatoes were reported to EFSA, all of them as non-quantified. In alignment with data reported in the literature (Asam et al, 2011), AOH was quantified in diverse fruit and fruit products, with the highest values reported for 'Figs' (LB = 5.2 lg/kg, UB = 12.4 lg/kg) and 'Pears' (LB = 3.6 lg/kg, UB = 7.8 lg/kg). AOH was also reported in 'Grape juice' (LB = 0.5 lg/kg, UB = 9.2 lg/kg) and 'Pear juice' (LB = 0.4 lg/kg, UB = 2.5 lg/kg).…”

Alternaria mycotoxins associated with grape berries in vitro and in situ

“…These results are potentially danger in the preparation of grape juice that had a history of Slovakia e.g., Vinea Ltd. for children. Similarly Asam et al (2011) reported that in general fruit juices showed low concentrations of alternariol and alternariol monomethylether, but higher values of both toxins were found in wine and vegetable juices. No other quantifiable concentrations for altenuene in wine, must, grape juice, edible oils, lentils and vegetables were reported (Visconti et al 1986;Ostrý et al 2007).…”

Validated UPLC-MS/MS Methods To Quantitate Free and Conjugated Alternaria Toxins in Commercially Available Tomato Products and Fruit and Vegetable Juices in Belgium

“…Samples were extracted for 30 min with 10 mL of extraction solvent (AcN, HPLC grade) using an overhead shaker. Sample extracts were briefly centrifuged (1 min, 3200xg) and pre-weighed MgSO 4 anhydrous salt (2.00 ± 0.05g) and NaCl (0.50 ± 0.05g) (fruit and vegetable juices) or Na 2 SO 4 anhydrous salt (2.00 ± 0.05 g) (tomato products) were added. Subsequently, the tubes were vortex-mixed for 30 s, placed on an overhead shaker for 15 min and centrifuged (10 min, 3200xg).…”