Evaluation of the presence of Aflatoxin-M1 in milk samples sold in the region of Campinas-SP

Abstract

Abstract Milk and its derivatives are fundamental foods in the human diet. However, milk is highly susceptible to microbial contamination, among which is Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), presenting a risk to public health. Aflatoxin M1 is the main hydroxylated metabolite of aflatoxin B1 present in the milk of animals that have ingested feed contaminated with B1. These toxins have carcinogenic and genotoxic potential and similar toxicities. According to Resolution RDC 07/2011, published by the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA), the level of tolerance for AFM1 is 0.5 µg / Kg in Brazil. The present study aimed to evaluate qualitatively and quantitatively Aflatoxin M1 in raw milk samples, being 2 samples of bovine milk and one sample of goat milk. The raw, bovine and goat milk samples were purchased from local stores and were kept at approximately 5 ºC for 8 hours and subsequently frozen at 6 ºC for conservation purposes. The tests were carried out at the premises of Hexis Científica, Av. Antonieta Piva Barranqueiros, 385 - Distrito Industial - Jundiaí-SP, which provided training and use of the laboratory. The Scientific Charm Kits, Test SLAFMQ-EZ-20K were used. It is a quantitative test that uses ROSA immunoreceptors (Rapid Assay Step One) lateral flow technology. The milk sample interacts with colored spheres and the intensity of the color in the test area and is read as ppt (parts per trillion) by the reader. According to the analyzes, all the samples studied presented Aflatoxin M1, with a concentration of 2,507 ppb; 2,410 ppb; 2,627 ppb, respectively for bovine and caprine milk samples, which characterizes a concentration five times above the allowed by the current legislation, according to RDC 07/2011, published by the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA). Key messages According to studies, most of the negative results obtained on the incidence of aflatoxin M1 can be attributed to the low sensitivity of the analytical methods employed. The presence of Aflatoxins M1, represents a public health issue, since milk is among the products most consumed by man and, constituting the basis of infant feeding.