101. The 23rd Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission adopted the proposed draft maximum level of 50 µg/kg for Patulin in apple juice and apple juice ingredients in other beverages at Step 5.[57]
102. Some delegations and the representative of Consumers International expressed concern over the level of 50 mg/kg, stating that children might easily exceed the PTWI by consuming 200 ml of apple juice per day at this level. Some delegations also felt that good agricultural practice and advanced technology could easily achieve a lower level of 25 µg/kg.
103. Other delegations and the representative of the International Federation of Fruit Juice Producers felt that the level of 50 µg/kg for patulin in apple juice and apple juice ingredients in other beverages was sufficient to protect children and other consumers because exposure calculations indicated that a large margin of safety existed. Some delegations also felt that a lower level of 25 µg/kg was difficult to achieve due to seasonal and other variations in apple production and increased difficulties with analysis at 25 mg/kg.
104. The Committee agreed to forward the draft maximum level of 50 mg/kg for Patulin in Apple Juice and Apple Juice Ingredients in Other Beverages to the Commission for adoption at step 8 (see Appendix X), with the understanding that the level would subsequently be incorporated into the Codex General Standard for Contaminants and Toxins in Foods. The delegation of France expressed its reservation to this decision.
105. The Committee accepted the offer of the United Kingdom, with assistance provided by the International Federation of Fruit Juice Producers, to develop a draft Code of Practice for the Prevention of Patulin Contamination in Apple Juice and Apple Juice Ingredients in other Beverages for circulation, comment and consideration at its next Session.
