Some cider from Pepin Heights Orchard has been reported to have a mycotoxin called patulin. Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by microfungi that are capable of causing disease and death in humans and other animals. Because of their pharmacological activity, some mycotoxins or mycotoxin derivatives have found use as antibiotics, growth promotants, and other kinds of drugs.
It is not unexpected to find patulin in apple products; it is produced by aspergillus and penicillium. Although it is speculated that patulin might be related toDNA damage and some forms of cancer, no illness has been reported in connection with the Pepin Heights Orchard Cider.
Clin Microbiol Rev. 2003 July; 16(3): 497–516.
doi: 10.1128/CMR.16.3.497-516.2003.
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