Patulin (PAT) is a toxic secondary metabolite produced by
several fungi like Penicillium, Aspergillus and Byssochlamys. Initially,
this mycotoxin was reported to be an antibiotic but it is also toxic
towards plants including cucumber, wheat, peas, corn, and flax and
toxic to animals, showing a Median Lethal Dose (LD50) of 5 mg/kg
in mice . PAT can occur in several mouldy
fruits, grains and other foodstuffs, although the main sources are
apple and its transformed products.