Analysis of underivatizated patulin by a GC-MS technique

An alternative approach based on the use of gas chromatography-mass spectro metry (GC-MS) is used to confirm the presence of patulin in apple juice. Zn the gas chromatography (GC) methods previously described, derivatization o f patulin was always necessary in order to achieve good chromatographic det ection. The use of electronic pressure control (EPC) and on-column injectio n avoids the need for patulin derivatization and allows a sensitive analysi s of patulin. A detection limit of 4 mu g/liter in apple juice can be attri buted to the method.