Detection of citrinin in ochratoxin A-containing products by a new HPLC method.

A new method for citrinin was developed and validated, which is based on solid phase extraction with polyamide columns and HPLC with fluorescence detection. Sufficient skill with the method given, precise results, i.e. variation coefficients <10%, will be achieved. The mean recovery rates were in the range 74 - 90%. The detection limits of the method determined according to DIN 32645, at good precision, were 1 µg/kg for wheat, rye, barley, maize, and oats. The analysis of several samples containing ochratoxin A (OTA) showed that citrinin is present in brans, wheatings and shorts containing a higher ratio of the outer layers of the grain kernel; both OTA and citrinin were found in in cocoa shells and raisins. Citrinin was detected in 14 OTA-containing samples (1-8 µg/kg). Furthermore, it was demonstrated that citrinin also can be determined in red mold rice according to the new method.