Citrinin dosage

Citrinin is a mycotoxin produced primarily by fungi of the genera Penicillium , Aspergillus , or Monascus . It is frequently found in foodstuffs stored under poor conditions, particularly cereals, grains, fermented red rice, or yeast-based food supplements.

Known for its kidney toxicity, this natural contaminant is subject to strict control in many countries, particularly in Asia and Europe. Citrinin levels can be used to assess the safety of products intended for human and animal consumption, as well as to verify the regulatory compliance of fermented nutraceutical or functional ingredients.

Objectives of the analysis

• Detection of fungal contamination in production batches
• Quality control of food supplements based on red yeast (e.g., Monascus purpureus )
• Compliance with regulatory thresholds for mycotoxins
• Health risk assessment in supply chains
• Control of fermented agricultural raw materials or plant extracts

Proposed analytical method

Citrinin analysis is performed by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), a reference method for detecting trace mycotoxins in complex matrices. This technique offers excellent sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility.

In case of specific needs or low content samples, pre-concentration of the sample and purification steps can be offered (SPE, immunoaffinity).

Analyzed matrices

• Rice, corn, wheat, various cereals
• Fermented supplements (red yeast, capsules)
• Agricultural raw materials or plant extracts
• Animal feed and fodder

Industrial applications

• Control of fermented rice-based food supplements (e.g., combined citrinin/monacolin K control)
• Verification of the conformity of imported plant raw materials
• Securing the supply chain for human and animal nutrition
• Evaluation of products intended for nutraceutical or phytotherapeutic formulation
• Contaminant monitoring for quality certification

Why use YesWeLab?

YesWeLab connects you to a network of expert mycotoxin analysis laboratories accredited according to ISO 17025 and/or COFRAC standards. We support you in identifying the method best suited to your matrices and objectives: preventive screening, ingredient validation, regulatory compliance, or routine quality control.

Our digital platform allows you to submit your samples, track your analytical requests and receive your results securely.

Recommended internal links

To further your efforts in controlling mycotoxins and contaminants, also consult:

• Aflatoxin B1 assay : a major mycotoxin found in food and plant matter
• Ochratoxin A assay : often present with citrinin in cereals and supplements
• Zearalenone assay : another fungal toxin with estrogenic activity

Dedicated support for your regulatory challenges

Since 2020, YesWeLab has been supporting manufacturers, formulators, and distributors in the food and nutraceutical sectors with quality control and product safety. Entrust us with your mycotoxin analyses to benefit from reliable, rapid results that comply with current standards.

To obtain a personalized quote or to discuss your analytical specifications, contact our scientific team now.