a series of ripe, red apples covered in water droplets

Patulin

an apple pie sits on a table, surrounded by apples and cutlery. Apples should be subject to patulin testing

To protect consumers, many countries have established strict regulatory limits for patulin in apple products. The European Union, for example, set maximum allowable levels in 2003: 50 ppb for fruit juice, spirits, and apple cider; 25 ppb for solid apple products intended for immediate consumption; and 10 ppb for baby food and apple-based products for young children. Compliance with these limits requires routine testing and careful quality control throughout production and processing.


a glass of mulled wine with fresh fruit, cinnamon and star anise
a glass of apple juice on a wooden table surrounded by whole apples and apple slices
a scientist in a lab coat conducts testing on fresh produce