Patulin reference material certified by RP-HPLC-UV and gravimetry for food safety analysis

Patulin, a mycotoxin commonly found in contaminated food products, is a significant health concern and its accurate determination is of fundamental importance. The availability of a patulin reference material (RM) is a key tool for the confidence in analytical results. In this paper, a batch of patulin in 0.1% acidified acetonitrile RM was gravimetrically prepared. The prepared RM was ampouled and subjected to homogeneity, short-term, long-term stability and characterization studies by high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV). The chromatographic separation was carried on a C-18 column using a mobile phase of ultra-pure water and acetonitrile (80:20 %) and the detection was made at 276 nm. These studies were carried out in accordance with ISO 17034 and ISO 33405. The prepared patulin reference material was found to be homogeneous and stable enough, as demonstrated by the results of the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the regression analysis. The value assignment was based on combing data obtained by gravimetry and HPLC-UV as weighted mean and uncertainty and was found to be 26.78±1.66 mg/kg. The gravimetric preparation and value assignment of the patulin RM were validated by successful participation of the patulin RM producer, SASO/NMMC in the key comparison CCQM-K154. d. This produced patulin certified reference material (CRM) will be useful as a calibrant and as quality control sample in food safety analysis.