The Development of an Analytical Method for Two Mycotoxins, Patulin and Verruculogen, and Survey of Their Presence in Commercial Tomato Pulp

Abstract

The mycotoxin patulin causes gastroinstestinal distress, neurotoxic and immunotoxic effects in animals. It can be produced by several species of Penicillium, Aspergillus and Byssochlamys and it has been found in fruits, vegetables and cereals. Verruculogen is a toxin produced mainly by Penicillium and Aspergillus spp. and causes severe tremors in affected animals. Tomatoes are especially susceptible to fungi invasion and their products need to be investigated for possible mycotoxin contamination. A method for …