Single-laboratory validation of a liquid chromatography method for the determination of patulin in apple juice

A method for patulin determination in apple juice was optimized and single-laboratory validated. Patulin was extracted with ethyl acetate and the extracts were cleaned-up in a column prepared in the laboratory. The determination was carried out by liquid chromatograph with a C18 column and diode array detector. Linearity was observed from 25.4 to 532.5 μg/L. Mean recovery of 81.6% and relative standard deviations <5.7% were obtained for samples spiked with 27, 58 and 122 μg/L. Limits of quantification and detection were 10 and 4 μg/L, respectively. In the ruggedness experiment, seven factors were considered. The method presented the advantages of easiness, economical aspects, patulin identity confirmation and use of non-toxic solvents and reagents.