A survey on aflatoxin M1 in raw milk of Fariman City, Khorasan Province, Iran

Abstract

Background: Although milk is the valorous source of nutrition, consumption of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) contaminated milk induces problems to human health. AFM1 is found in milk when dairy animals are fed with AFB1-contaminated feedstuff. AFM1 remains stable during milk pasteurization and storage as well as during the preparation of various dairy products. Objectives: The aim of the current study was to evaluate AFM1 contamination in raw milk of Fariman city. Materials and Methods: During the summer (July to September, 2012), 45 samples of raw milk were collected randomly from Fariman, Iran. The samples were analyzed with a commercial competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Results: AFM1 was detected in all milk samples. The mean concentration of AFM1 was 11.61 ± 0.72 ng/L with a range of 6.3-23.3 ng/L. None of the samples had levels exceeding the maximum tolerance limit (50 ng/L) accepted by the European Union. Conclusions: AFM1 contamination of milk is not a concern in this city. However, dairy cattle feed samples of various livestocks must be regularly checked for aflatoxin and the storage conditions of feeds should be strictly controlled.