Abstract

ABSTRACTDuring 2016–2017, 156 samples of fresh milk samples were collected from local markets of Karachi, Pakistan and analysed for aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) contamination using ELISA technique. AFM1 was detected in 143 (91.7%) samples, ranged from 20 to 3090 ng L−1 with a mean level of 346.2 ng L−1. In 125 (80.1%) samples, the AFM1 contamination was greater than the maximum limit (ML = 50 ng L−1) set by EU. However, in 51 (32.7%) samples, the AFM1 level was higher than the ML of 500 ng L−1 as assigned by the USA. Statistical analysis showed that the AFM1 level in milk samples from summer was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that obtained in winter. It was concluded that the AFM1 levels in the tested samples appear to be a serious public health problem. Therefore, immediate measures should be taken and re-evaluation done for the procedures for farming, transportation, refrigeration, and storage for the control of AFM1 level in milk samples.

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