One-step assisted extraction of patulin-a new LC-MS/MS method for testing apples and apple products

Patulin is a secondary metabolite produced by various fungi, often identified in apples and apple-based products. It is included in group three of mycotoxins classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Therefore, the development of sensitive and accurate methods for the determination of patulin in food is crucial for consumer safety. In this study, a simple and sensitive LC-MS/MS method was developed for determining patulin concentrations in food products. Foods from local Polish markets were analyzed, and the toxin was not found in any of them. The method uses ethyl acetate for single-step extraction, achieving greater than 90% effective patulin extraction. After extraction, the organic phase was evaporated to dryness, and the residue was reconstituted in a suitable solvent and further diluted. In addition, in accordance with the standards in the regulation, the method was tested based on fortification on each matrix. The tests were performed in two laboratories using proficiency test materials with assigned target values and acceptable ranges as reference materials, demonstrating excellent sensitivity and reproducibility while supporting method performance and verification.