Citrinin
Monitoring citrinin is essential because this naturally occurring mycotoxin produced by fungal species such as Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Monascus often appears alongside ochratoxin and typically develops under poor post-harvest storage conditions. These fungi thrive in warm, humid environments, making improperly dried or stored crops especially susceptible. As a result, citrinin contamination can occur at multiple points along the food production chain, from initial storage to processing.
Citrinin is commonly detected in a wide range of foods, including grains, beans, fruits, olives, herbs, and spices. It is particularly associated with red rice fermented using Monascus purpureus, a traditional practice in parts of Asia where fermented red rice is used both for preservation and natural colouring. This fermentation process also produces red rice yeast powder, a supplement that has grown in global popularity due to its perceived health benefits. However, without appropriate quality controls, these products may carry elevated levels of citrinin, posing potential risks to consumers.
A wide selection of analytical tools is available for the qualitative and quantitative detection of aflatoxins, including rapid lateral flow assays, ELISA tests, screening cards, and immunoaffinity columns. These platforms support both laboratory workflows and fast on-site testing in farming, storage, and production environments. Complementary standards and reference materials further enhance accuracy and reliability across testing procedures.
To ensure safety, Commission Regulation (EU) No. 212/2014 sets a maximum citrinin limit of 2,000 μg/kg (ppb) in food supplements made from Monascus purpureus-fermented rice, a threshold that was re-evaluated in 2016 in response to emerging scientific evidence. Routine monitoring of these supplements, as well as other susceptible food categories, is therefore a key component of maintaining compliance with food safety regulations and preventing unsafe products from entering the market.
Citrinin testing provides several important benefits. First, it protects consumers by identifying and quantifying contamination early, reducing the risk of exposure to harmful mycotoxins. It also helps manufacturers meet regulatory obligations and demonstrate adherence to international food safety standards. In addition, regular monitoring supports product quality by ensuring that contaminated raw materials or finished goods are identified before distribution. Modern detection methods further enhance this process, offering sensitive, reliable, and efficient analysis across a variety of food matrices.
Overall, consistent citrinin monitoring plays a vital role in safeguarding public health, supporting regulatory compliance, and maintaining high product quality within the food and supplement industries. By adopting advanced analytical techniques and robust quality control practices, manufacturers can effectively detect and manage citrinin contamination, build consumer trust, and uphold the safety and integrity of their products.
Product Portfolio
Ordering Information
| Ref | Description | Number of Tests/Amount | |
|---|---|---|---|
| R6302 | RIDASCREEN®FAST Citrinin | Microtitre Plate with 48 Wells 6 Strips with 8 Wells Each) |
Ordering Information
| Ref | Description | Number of Tests/Amount | |
|---|---|---|---|
| TC-QP2100-50 | QualiT Pure™ Multi-Ergot Alkaloid MS | 50 Columns (Syringe Format) | |
| RBRDP126 / RBRP126 | EASI-EXTRACT® CITRININ | RBRDP126 : 10 Columns (3mL Format) RBRP126 : 25 Columns (3mL Format) |
