Assessment of aflatoxin M1 levels in raw camel milk, cow milk and powdered milk in Algeria

Abstract

ABSTRACT The study provides current information on the level of Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in three kinds of milk. This is the first report on AFM1 contamination in raw camel milk in the studied area. Seven raw camel milk, 21 raw cow milk, and 13 powdered milk samples were analysed with a highly sensitive competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. The results indicated that 14.63% (6/41) of all the analysed samples were positive, with an average concentration of 17.92ng/L, and a range of 5.5–42.5ng/L. It was found that only one sample (4.76%) of cow’s milk was positive, but all camels’ milk samples (100%) were free from Aflatoxin M1. The highest incidence and concentration (38.46%) was found in powdered milk with an average concentration of 20.34 ng/L. No analysed sample exceeded the limit set by European regulations (50 ng/L). This means that the milk analysed does not represent a consumer health hazard owing to the low concentration of Aflatoxin M1, but continuous monitoring is still needed to protect public health.