Abstract
Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), a hepatotoxic metabolite, occurs due to the consumption of feeds contaminated with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) by lactating animals. This study aims to specify the presence and levels of AFM1 in water buffalo milk produced widely in our region. 
 Between the years 2019 - 2021, a total of 250 raw water buffalo milk samples were used as material. All samples were transported to the laboratory in the cold chain (4 °C) and analyzed. Tests were done with ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) technique and AFM1 specific test kits Ridascreen® Aflatoxin M1, r-biopharm were used for detection of AFM1. First, the samples were prepared as described in the kit manufacturer’s instructions. Later, for the calculation of AFM1 levels, RIDASOFT WIN.NET software was also used as recommended. 
 Two hundred and fifty raw water buffalo milk samples were analyzed in duplicate, and the average values of the results was taken into account. While AFM1 was not detected in 174 samples (69.6%), 76 sample (30.4%) was contaminated with AFM1. However, it was observed that the AFM1 levels of these 76 samples did not exceed the levels specified in the Turkish Food Codex.
 In conclusion, although water buffalo milk and dairy products pose a potential risk in AFM1, this risk was found relatively low in samples belong to our region. However, this situation may vary depending on the feeding conditions of lactating animals and sampling season. Therefore, it is recommended that similar and further studies are needed to diversify the data in the future.
Highlights
Aflatoxins are known as toxic and heterocyclic compounds synthesized by strains of Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus
250 raw water buffalo milk samples were investigated for Aflatoxin M1 presence by ELISA technique, and all analyzes were repeated twice
Aflatoxin M1 was detected in 76 (30.4%) samples; the result of 174 (69.9%) samples was found below the detection limit
Summary
Aflatoxins are known as toxic and heterocyclic compounds synthesized by strains of Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is the monohydroxylated hepatic metabolite of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) that can be found in the milk and milk products of livestock due to feeding with AFB1 contaminated feed (Nguyen et al 2020). Aflatoxin M1 contamination of Anatolian Water Buffalo milk 1 human carcinogen (Guo et al 2019; Hussain et al 2010; Kara and Ince 2014). Aflatoxin contamination is overly critical in terms of public health since milk and dairy products occupy an important role in infant nutrition (Galvano et al 1998). It has been determined that the long-term effects of consumption of aflatoxin M1 contaminated milk and dairy products may cause DNA damage, chromosomal abnormalities, and genotoxic effects (Galvano et al 1996; Prandini et al 2009)
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