Citrinin: Monitoring and analysis

Importance of monitoring citrinin

Citrinin is a naturally occurring mycotoxin produced by the fungus species Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Monascus. It often occurs alongside ochratoxin and mainly forms under poor storage conditions post-harvest.

Common sources of citrinin

Citrinin can be found in various grains, beans, fruits, olives, herbs, and spices. It is frequently detected in red rice fermented with mold fungi, a practice common in Asia for preservation and food coloring. The fungus Monascus purpureus is used to ferment red rice, producing a food supplement known as red rice yeast powder. While this supplement is gaining popularity for its health benefits, it can be contaminated with citrinin.

Regulatory compliance and consumer protection

Commission Regulation (EU) No. 212/2014 specifies a maximum citrinin content of 2,000 μg/kg (ppb) in food supplements based on rice fermented with Monascus purpureus. This limit was re-evaluated in January 2016. Routine monitoring of these health food products is crucial to ensure consumer safety.

Key benefits of citrinin monitoring

• Consumer protection: Ensures that food products, especially health supplements, are safe for consumption by detecting and quantifying citrinin contamination.
• Regulatory compliance: Helps manufacturers comply with food safety regulations, such as Commission Regulation (EU) No. 212/2014.
• Quality assurance: Maintains the integrity and safety of food products by preventing the distribution of citrinin-contaminated items.
• Advanced detection methods: Utilizes reliable and efficient analytical techniques to monitor citrinin levels in various food products.

Conclusion

Monitoring citrinin is essential for protecting consumer health, ensuring regulatory compliance, and maintaining food quality. By employing advanced detection methods, manufacturers can accurately identify and quantify citrinin contamination, ensuring the safety of their products. This proactive approach supports robust quality control processes, upholds food safety standards, and fosters consumer trust in food supplements and other products susceptible to citrinin contamination.