Citrinin dosage

Citrinin is a mycotoxin produced mainly by fungi of the genus Penicillium , Aspergillus or Monascus . It is frequently found in foodstuffs stored under improper 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 measurement is 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 yeasts (e.g. Monascus purpureus )
• Compliance with regulatory thresholds for mycotoxins
• Health risk assessment in supply chains
• Control of agricultural raw materials or fermented plant extracts

Proposed analytical method

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

In case of specific needs or low content samples, sample preconcentration and purification steps can be proposed (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 human and animal nutrition supply chain
• Evaluation of products intended for nutraceutical or phytotherapeutic formulation
• Contaminant monitoring for quality certification

Why use YesWeLab?

YesWeLab connects you to a network of laboratories expert in mycotoxin analysis, accredited according to ISO 17025 and/or COFRAC standards. We help you identify 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 go further in your approach to controlling mycotoxins and contaminants, also consult:

• Determination of aflatoxin B1 : major mycotoxin in foodstuffs and plant materials
• Ochratoxin A dosage : often present with citrinin in cereals and supplements
• Zearalenone dosage : another fungal toxin with estrogenic activity

Support dedicated to your regulatory challenges

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

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