Multi-class analysis of mycotoxin prevalence and potential health risks in commercial apple puree: Implications for early childhood populations in the Italian market

This study investigates the prevalence of mycotoxins in commercial apple puree from the Italian market, focusing on their co-occurrence, exposure levels, and potential health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations like infants and toddlers. A total of 62 apple-based puree samples, including bio and non-bio certificated products, were analysed for several classes of mycotoxins using liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. The samples were categorized based on their apple content in those made entirely from apple puree and those containing 10–20 % of other fruit purees. The investigated mycotoxins included patulin, aflatoxins, Alternaria toxins and fumonisins. The findings revealed a widespread presence of mycotoxins, with patulin detected in 92 % of samples, alongside Alternaria toxins including alternariol, alternariol methyl ether, and tentoxin, and less frequently, aflatoxins and fumonisins. All the samples tested positive for at least one mycotoxin. The cumulative mycotoxin concentrations often exceeded safe levels, particularly in samples containing blended fruits. Afterwards, the risk assessment based on dietary exposure data highlighted that toddlers and infants face higher exposure risks compared to older children. Exposure to patulin and fumonisins was within tolerable limits; however, cumulative exposure to Alternaria toxins and aflatoxins presented significant health concerns. These findings highlight the need for ongoing monitoring and regulation of multiclass mycotoxin in apple by-products alongside patulin, especially those intended for early childhood populations, in order to mitigate potential long-term health risk.