Foodstuffs. Determination of patulin in fruit juices and fruit-based purees for infants and young children. High-performance liquid chromatography method with liquid-liquid partition purification and solid-phase extraction

This technical specification outlines a precise analytical procedure for determining ochratoxin A concentrations within fruit juices and purees intended for infants and young children. Developed in alignment with European methodologies, the protocol employs high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with specific purification techniques. The method integrates both liquid-liquid purification and solid-phase extraction to effectively isolate the mycotoxin from complex food matrices, ensuring high accuracy and reliability in detection. By standardizing sample preparation and instrumental analysis parameters, the document facilitates consistent monitoring of product safety across the region. It establishes clear guidelines for operating the chromatographic system, optimizing recovery rates, and minimizing potential interferences during the quantification process. The approach is designed to support quality control operations in food manufacturing and regulatory testing environments, providing a robust framework for assessing contaminant levels. Adherence to these defined procedures enables laboratories to generate comparable data essential for safeguarding the health of vulnerable consumer groups while maintaining compliance with established food safety criteria.