Infant powdered milk formula and milk powder as a potential risk for developing children in terms of Aflatoxin M1

Abstract

Milk powder is widely consumed across age groups, especially by Egyptian children. The possible presence of Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in milk and milk products is a worldwide concern since these products are largely consumed by children, including infants, who a reconsidered more susceptible to the adverse effects of mycotoxins. Therefore, the presence of AFM1 in infant milk formula and milk powder is a significant problem for human health especially for children. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and levels of AFM1 in infant powdered milk formula and powdered milk samples in El-Behera, Egypt. The AFM1 levels of the samples were determined using high performance liquid chromatography for separation and fluorescence detection. A total of 100 samples (50 each of infant milk formulas and milk powder) were analyzed for AFM1. The results revealed that 6(12%) of infant powdered milk samples and 12(24%) of examined powdered milk were contaminated. The mean levels of AFM1 in the samples were 17.3±1.29 and 15.9±2.26 (ng/kg) for infant powdered milk and powdered milk; respectively. Only 4(8%) of infant powdered milk samples and 6(12%) of powdered milk samples exceeded the safety limits for AFM1established by the European commission (25ng/kg) and (50 ng/ kg) in infant milk formulae and milk powder; respectively. The estimated daily intake (EDI) of AFM1 was evaluated, and the average intake was(81, 63.93, 37.57 and 39) ng/kg body weights for (one week of age, one month, 6 months and 12 months of age for infants; respectively and EDI was 14.24ng/kg body weights for adults. Values of EDI of AFM1 found in El-Behera, Egyptpose a toxicological risk to the consumers in various age groups. The results of this study showed the necessity of regular monitoring for the occurrence of AFM1 in infant powdered milk and milk powder for adult's consumption.