Patulin in apple juices: Incidence and likely intake in an Indian population

Fifty samples of apple juices were investigated for patulin levels using HPLC with UV detection. It was found that 38 (76? samples contained no detectable patulin (LOD = 7.5 µg l(-1)), but some samples had high patulin levels (845 µg l(-1)) compared to other branded mixed juices (21-70 µg l(-1)) and apple juices procured from local vendors (191 µg l(-1)). The survey provides evidence of a need to educate the apple-juice industry in the use of good quality apples for juice production. In addition, the levels of patulin found showed a saturation of the provisional maximum tolerable daily intake (PMTDI) based on intake figures in terms of an average and 90th percentile of 27-60% and 107-190%, respectively, in different age groups. This monitoring study may help in formulating guidelines for patulin levels, which are not yet implemented by Prevention of Food Adulteration (PFA) Act of India.