A rapid method is described for the isolation and determination of zearalenone (ZEN) produced byFusariumspp., in moist rice culture. Following a simple solvent extraction using acetonitrile:water, the crude extract was defatted with hexane and diluted with methanol. The extract solution containing ZEN was evaporated to dryness, the residue dissolved in acetonitrile and diluted with water. The solution was analysed by liquid chromatography using a UV‐diode array detector. The UV spectra and chromatographic data generated from the standard ZEN was stored in a computer and used to identify the toxin in a crude mixture. The purity of the separated peak and the amount of toxin in the crude mixture was determined. The present technique is fast and allows the acquisition of UV spectral information and chromatographic data of ZEN in a single chromatographic operation. Recovery of zearalenone added to the rice was 76–94%.