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Patulin (PAT) is a secondary metabolite secreted by fungi in the genera Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Enterobacter and is the most common mycotoxin found in apples and apple derivatives (e.g., juice, cider, preserves). Previous reports described the wide distribution of PAT and more direct and destructive toxicity than that associated with other mycotoxins. These findings underscore the need to develop new patulin control and detoxification methods and thus ensure food safety. This review comprehensively summarizes the existing research and progress in the distribution, toxicity, control, and detoxification of PAT and highlights the lack of research regarding the effects of PAT on intestinal health. We aim not only to educate health-conscious consumers about PAT but also to encourage field experts to address the existing knowledge gaps and provide a new orientation for future research.

The infection of fruit by the fungus Penicillin expansum, especially apples and derived products, is a serious global problem. Contaminated fruit and products not only threaten human health, but also reduce commercial profits. Given the potential hazards of synthetic fungicides, regulatory agencies have issued restrictions and even prohibitions on their commercial use. Therefore, the development of more environmentally friendly and safe postharvest P. expansum infection control is receiving increasing attention from researchers worldwide. This review summarizes and discusses studies on P. expansum from the past decade, including its contamination of fruit and postharvest control methods, and the contamination and synthesis of patulin, one of the main toxins produced by P. expansum. The combination of biological fungal control with physical or chemical control methods is highlighted. In practical applications, the simultaneous use of two or three of these methods, especially biological methods, achieves more stable and synergistic antifungal effects, and further research on the optimal commercial procedures for using these treatments would be potentially beneficial.