Aspectos toxicológicos e ocorrência de patulina em suco de maçã

Patulin is a secondary metabolite produced by different species of fungi, being Penicillium expansum the most important species. Patulin is a mycotoxin that has been found mainly in mature apples used in the production of concentrated apple juice, but it can also be in other fruits, vegetables and nutritious products. Experiments carried out with laboratory animals have demonstrated that this mycotoxin produces several harmful effects, including mutagenicity, teratogenicity, carcinogenicity, immunosuppression and acute intoxications characterized by pulmonary oedema, hemorrhages, damages in the capillaries of liver, spleen and kidneys, as well as cerebral oedema. This revision article approaches physicochemical properties and toxicological aspects of the patulin, as well as its occurrence and strategies to prevent its presence in apple juices.