Patulin: Your Questions Answered

Friday 15 March 2002

Find out more about patulin.

What is the problem?

A routine food survey has found unacceptably high levels of a naturally occurring chemical, patulin, in a sample of apple juice. The affected product is a batch (code SEP03D) of Fresh Dry Bramley Apple Juice, made by James White Drinks Ltd. It comes in 75cl glass bottles and has a best before date of September 2003.

Where is the juice available?

This particular juice was not on sale in high street supermarkets and was only available from approximately 160 outlets around the country. Most of the outlets were farm shops, garden centres and plant nurseries. Full details of outlets are available in the Food Hazard Warning (FHW), available on the Agency website at www.food.gov.uk

What action has the Agency taken?

The manufacturer agreed to withdraw the affected batch from the 160 outlets he supplied. The Agency has issued a food hazard warning asking local enforcement officers to check that apple juice from this batch has all been removed from sale. Consumers are also being advised to not drink apple juice from this batch.

How did the Agency discover this problem and why take the action now?

The tests for patulin were part of a wider survey of apple products in different seasons of the year. The results will be published this autumn (2002). However, if any problem is found, as it has now, the Agency is committed to act to protect the public. The producer is co-operating in the withdrawal of this product, but it is possible that some people may have this product still at home. This is the reason for our action today.

Is this problem widespread?

No. We only expect to find patulin above acceptable levels in a very small proportion of batches of apple juice.

What should I do if I have this product in my home?

Do not drink it. If you have some at home, either return it to the place of purchase or throw it away. If you see it being sold, do not buy it. Caterers and shopkeepers should remove this product from their establishment by either returning to the manufacturer or throwing away.

What is patulin and where is it found?

Patulin is a toxic chemical produced by a number of moulds, such as brown rot in apples, that can grow naturally in and on fruits and some vegetables. Any fruits showing visible areas of mould or rot, either on the outside of the fruit or in the flesh, could contain patulin. Fruit which appear sound are less likely to contain patulin at detectable levels.

Why is patulin of concern?

Patulin has been found to cause a range of adverse effects in laboratory animals. It can affect the developing foetus, immune system, nervous system and gastrointestinal tract and cause DNA damage. There is concern that similar effects may occur in humans. This is why exposure should be kept as low as practically possible.

What damage can patulin cause?

The risk assessment is based on a range of effects in laboratory animals that are seen at much higher levels than detected in this particular apple juice. Although there is concern that similar effects could occur in humans, there is no available information that can help quantify the risks. As a precaution it’s recommended that levels of this natural contaminant are kept as low as practically possible.

What foods are most likely to contain patulin?

Past surveillance suggests that apple juice is the major food source of patulin. Previous surveys of other foods produced from apples, and other fruit products did not indicate any particular problem.

Is the Agency recommending not drinking all apple juice?

No. Consumers should only stop drinking Fresh Dry Bramley Apple Juice, batch code SEP 03D from James White Drinks Ltd. The Agency is not advising against drinking apple juice or consuming other products that contain apples.

What is the acceptable limit for patulin?

There is no legal limit for patulin in foods. However, a guideline limit of 50 g/kg has been in operation in the UK for a number of years. As this is a naturally occurring contaminant it is not possible to ensure that foods are always free of it. However the Agency does require all efforts are made to ensure that the levels present in foodstuffs are the lowest possible.

What samples are being tested in the current survey?

The survey is looking at 300 samples of fresh pressed apple juice, apple juice from concentrate, mixed fruit juices and other apple products, including baby foods. Samples are being taken throughout the year to check for any seasonal effects. The full results of the survey will be published during the Autumn of 2002. However, any findings of concern to public health will be announced immediately, and action will be taken as it has been today.

If the tests are continuing, should I be worried about other brands of apple juice?

If we do find other samples in the current survey that exceed the limit, we will make sure action is taken to remove affected batches from sale. Although it is impossible to say whether we might find other batches of apple juice with high levels of patulin, evidence from the recent past is reassuring.

Where can I found out further information on patulin?

Further information on patulin can be obtained from the Food Standards Agency website at www.food.gov.uk

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