Solid-phase extraction method for patulin in apple juice and unfiltered apple juice

Patulin, a mold metabolite, is commonly found in rotting apples. Some countries regulate patulin at levels ranging from 30 to 50 micrograms/L. Most analytical methods for patulin in apple juice include liquid-liquid partitions. A solid-phase extraction method has been developed for apple juice and unfiltered apple juice in the United States. A portion of the test sample (5 mL) was passed through a macroporous copolymer cartridge and was washed with 1 mL 1% sodium bicarbonate and then with 1 mL 1% acetic acid. Patulin was eluted with 3 mL 2% acetonitrile in anhydrous ethyl ether and was determined by reversed-phase liquid chromatography with UV detection at 276 nm. Recoveries ranged from 93 to 104% in test samples spiked at 20-100 micrograms/L.