Aflatoxin M1 Contamination Levels Research Articles

The content of aflatoxin M1 in the milk of cows from Turkish farms: the effect on milk quality and the effectiveness of mycotoxin binding by a claybased adsorbent

The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentration of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in milk from Holstein-Friesian cows on local farms located in two different cities in Turkey, to investigate the effect of this mycotoxin on milk quality and seasonal variation, and to investigate the efficacy of a commercial clay-based binder. As part of the study, milk samples from 144 dairy cows were analyzed for the presence of AFM1 prior to the use of a clay-based toxin binder. As a result of this analysis, 26.9% of milk samples from individual animals had AFM1 levels exceeding the U.S. permissible limit of 0.5 µg/kg. In addition, AFM1 was detected in 36.5% of winter and 18.6% of summer milk samples. The presence of AFM1 caused a decrease in milk fat, dry matter, and protein levels. The affected animals were further divided into two groups: control group (n = 14) and experimental group (n = 26). The animals of the experimental group were fed 25 g/animal of clay-based binder toxin daily. The treatment group showed a gradual decrease in AFM1 levels by 24.4% on day 4 and 48.9% on day 7. In addition, the fat, non-fat solids, and protein content of milk increased significantly. As a result, a high level of AFM1 contamination in milk was detected, which can be assumed to negatively affect the quality of milk production. The use of clay-based toxin binders may be an effective method to improve milk quality and protect animal and consumer health.

Occurrence and risk characterization of aflatoxin M1 in milk samples from southeastern Iran using the margin of exposure approach.

This study aimed to investigate Aflatoxin-M1 (AFM1) contamination in pasteurized and raw milk samples consumed in Kerman and Rafsanjan in southeastern Iran. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 100 samples of raw (n = 67) and pasteurized (n = 33) milk were randomly collected from retail stores, supermarkets, and milk transport tankers in the winter of 2020 and the summer of 2021. The level of AFM1 contamination in the collected samples was evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FD). AFM1 was detected in 95% of samples and its median concentration was 17.38 ng/L. The median concentration of AFM1 in the pasteurized milk samples (24.89 ng/L) was significantly higher than in the raw milk samples (13.54 ng/L). The AFM1 contamination level in 20% (raw = 13% and pasteurized = 7%) of the samples was higher than the maximum permitted level (MPL) recommended by the European Union (i.e., 50 ng/L), whilst 4% (raw = 3% and pasteurized = 1%) of the samples was higher than the Iranian maximum standard limit (i.e., 100 ng/L). The hazard index (HI) was higher than 1 in 16%, 18%, and 35% of total milk samples for men, women, and children, respectively. The AFM1 contamination level in the milk samples collected in southeastern Iran was worrying. The margin of exposure (MoE) values were lower than 10,000 for children. Because aflatoxins are among the most potent carcinogens known, prevention of milk contamination in all stages from the farm to the table can considerably reduce the community's exposure to AFM1 and its consequent health risks.

Investigation of UV light treatment (254 nm) on the reduction of aflatoxin M1 in skim milk and degradation products after treatment

This study investigates the reduction of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in skim milk by using ultraviolet light at 254 nm and the effects of influencing factors on the efficacy including treatment time (min), depth of samples (mm), contamination level (μg L−1), stirring, temperature, and fat content in milk. The colour and pH of milk samples were measured to evaluate the influence of the treatment on these values. It was found that short-wave ultraviolet radiation (UVC) reduced up to 50% of AFM1 in milk after 20 min of treatment regardless of the initial AFM1 contamination level. Treatment time, depth of samples, and stirring were all found to significantly (P < 0.05) enhance the reduction of AFM1. The milk colour was affected but there was no influence on the pH of milk samples at any duration of UV exposure. It is concluded that UVC light treatment has the potential to reduce AFM1 in milk.

Determination of the Biodetoxification Potentials of Lactobacillus Brevis on Aflatoxin M1 from Fresh Raw Cow Milk within Zaria Metropolis

Background: The negative impacts of Aflatoxins on the economy and health led to investigations for strategies to prevent their contamination in food and feed. Biological methods gained popularity due to its friendliness to both environment and body health. Aim: The aim of this research work is to determine the bio-detoxification potentials of Lactobacillus brevis on Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) from fresh raw cow milk. Methodology: L. brevis was isolated from locally fermented cow milk, the isolates were identified using cultural, morphological, physiological, biochemical and sugar fermentation test. Nine (9) samples were collected from three (3) different sampling sites within Zaria metropolis namely; Dan-Magaji, Kufena and Gabari, three (3) samples each from the sampling sites. The samples were screened for AFM1 contamination using a rapid test kit specific for milk samples (Ring Biotechnology Co., Ltd. Art no.:100004-96T). AFM1 contaminated samples were subjected to HPLC analysis to determine the extent of contamination. Surface binding assay and HPLC analysis were used to quantify the amount of unbound AFM1 in the samples, LAB-AFM1 complex stability testing and recovery of bound AFM1 were also conducted. The result were analysed using ‘ANOVA’ single factor, 2 way ANOVA and Duncan’s multiple range test. Results: L. brevis was isolated from locally fermented cow milk. All the samples collected were contaminated with aflatoxin M1 at varying concentrations, Lactobacillus brevis isolates were able to bind AFM1 at a range of 36-69%, LAB-AFM1 complex stability was about 63% and 68% of the bound AFM1 was recovered. Conclusion: It can be concluded from this research that lactic acid bacteria can be a good option for reducing the level of AFM1 contamination from milk samples as they are harmless and generally recognized as safe for human consumption.

Detection of aflatoxin M1 in bovine milk from different agro-climatic zones of Chhattisgarh, India, using HPLC-FLD and assessment of human health risks.

Concerns regarding food safety and 'One Health' are increasing globally. Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), a human carcinogenic toxin, is excreted by lactating animals in their milk after consumption of feed contaminated with aflatoxin B1. The present cross-sectional study aimed to determine the occurrence of AFM1 in cattle and buffalo milk produced in rural and peri-urban areas under different agro-climatic conditions of Chhattisgarh, India, and assesses human health risks. Analyses of 545 milk samples by validated high-performance liquid chromatography revealed high level of AFM1 contamination in 224 (41.1%) samples with mean concentration of 0.137 ± 0.029 μg/L. Statistically significant differences (p< 0.05) were observed in the levels and frequency of AFM1 occurrence among different agro-climatic zones. AFM1 was more frequently detected in milk samples from Northern hills (64%) followed by Bastar plateau (40.7%) and Chhattisgarh plain (27.3%), with mean concentration levels of 0.396 ± 0.099 μg/L, 0.081 ± 0.025 μg/L and 0.013 ± 0.002 μg/L, respectively. Species wise no significant difference was observed in the detection frequency and concentration of AFM1 in milk from cattle and buffalo. AFM1 contamination above maximum permissible limits established by European commission and Food Safety and Standard Authority of India was detected in 21.3% and 4.4% of samples, respectively. The estimated daily intakes for AFM1 were found to be higher than tolerable daily intakes for both adults and children, especially of Northern hills implying a potentially high risk to consumer's health. This study provides valuable information on the contamination status of milk in one of the fastest developing state of India. It also highlights the importance and need for continuous farmers' awareness on good animal husbandry practices, routine surveillance of mycotoxins in animal feeds and food commodities to safeguard human health.

Examination of Aflatoxin M1 Contamination in Milk and Milk Drinks Available in Fukuyama City

To determine the relationship between seasons and regions and aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) contamination of milk distributed in Fukuyama City, we conducted a survey once during the summer and once during the winter between June 2018 and January 2019. We compared the AFM1 contamination levels in milk drinks available in Fukuyama City during the same period, to provide more about the factors causing AFM1 contamination. All milk samples examined exhibited AFM1 contamination levels below the standard AFM1 contamination level (0.5 μg/kg). For the comparison based on seasons, one milk sample collected in the summer (0.07 μg/kg) exceeded the EU limit (heat-treated milk: 0.050 μg/kg). However, there was no significant difference in the AFM1 contamination level (p>0.05). For the comparison based on regions, the AFM1 contamination level in the milk sample from the Chugoku Region was significantly higher in the winter and significantly lower in the summer compared to those from other regions. AFM1 contamination of milk did not have a direct relationship with seasons or regions, but was instead influenced by the type, amount, and management of feed supplied to dairy cattle. For the comparison between milk and milk drinks, the AFM1 contamination levels in milk drinks were significantly lower (p<0.01). The highest AFM1 concentration (0.08 μg/kg) was detected in one sample of milk drink sampled during the summer. The AFM1 contamination of milk drinks is likely affected by the level of contamination in raw materials, the proportion of such raw materials in the drinks, and the process type. An increase in non-fat milk solids was assumed to be a factor that increases AFM1 contamination.

Aflatoxin M1 contamination level in Iranian milk and dairy products: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Aflatoxin M1 is a derivate of aflatoxin B1 and an important contaminant of milk and dairy products. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted on relevant Persian and English original articles in national and international databases with no time limits until 1 January 2018. In total 605 articles were found among which 70 articles met the inclusion criteria for meta-analysis. The prevalence (95% confidence interval (CI)) and mean concentration (95% CI) of aflatoxin M1 was found to be 64% (53-75%) and 39.7 ng/l (31.9-47.4 ng/l) in raw milk, 95% (89-98%) and 62.3 ng/l (40.6-84 ng/l) in pasteurised milk, 71% (56-84%) and 60.1 ng/l (30.9-89.3 ng/l) in sterilised milk, 59% (20-93%) and 5.5 ng/l (3.3-7.7 ng/l) in breast milk and 72% (61-81%) and 82.3 ng/kg (63.7-100.9 ng/kg) in dairy products. In general, 9% (4-16%) of milks and 10% (4-17%) of dairy products had aflatoxin M1 in concentrations exceeding the permitted level of Iranian standards (500 ng/l). Based on the maximum permitted aflatoxin M1 concentration in standards of Europe (50 ng/l), these percentages increase to 25% (18-32%) for milks and 18% (9-29%) for dairy products. According to the results, further control and preventive measures should be applied on livestock feeds because decreased aflatoxin B1 contamination at this level results in decreased aflatoxin M1 in milk and dairy products.

Potential public health risk due to consumption of contaminated bovine milk with aflatoxin M1 and Coxiella burnetii in the West of Iran

This study aimed to evaluate the probable public health hazard imposed by bovine milk in relation to aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) and Coxiella burnetii in the West of Iran. The assessment of AFM1, using an ELISA test, indicated 62.22% and 21.11% of 45 samples of raw and pasteurised milk were above the permissible content of Codex and Iranian standard levels, respectively. Further, anti‐C. burnetii antibody was detected in 63.04% of bulk tank milk samples, with six samples harbouring the bacterial genome. High AFM1 contamination levels and an endemic pattern of Q fever warrant continuous surveillance programmes in the studied region.

A novel method for elimination of aflatoxin M1 in milk using Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG biofilm

This study aimed to develop a new method for detoxification of milk from aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) by using Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG biofilm. After inoculation of milk contaminated with AFM1 into L. rhamnosus GG biofilm, the unbound AFM1 was extracted and quantified by HPLC. The stability of the formed AFM1/biofilm complex using different AFM1 contamination levels of milk was also studied. We found that the percentages of bound AFM1 by L. rhamnosus GG biofilm reached up to 60.74%. While no significant difference in milk proteins content was observed after AFM1 binding, some changes in total dry matter and fat content were noticed.

Evaluation of the concentration factor of aflatoxin M1 in a semi-hard Pecorino cheese obtained from naturally contaminated milk

Ewe's milk naturally contaminated with aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) at 0.024–0.117 μg/kg, was used to produce a semi-hard, ripened, Pecorino cheese. A predictive model to estimate the concentration of AFM1 in milk, by considering the values in cheese, was applied; furthermore, an AFM1 concentration in cheese, at different time of ripening, was investigated. The regression model showed a high correlation between the AFM1 amount in milk and its concentration in cheese. To establish the level of AFM1 contamination in milk, from taking into account the cheese AFM1 amount, a concentration factor of 4.13, with a confidence interval (CI) of 3.80–4.41, was obtained. The concentration index was constant during ripening. Thus, the model is a useful tool for the food business operator, when the competent authority carries out an official control, as prescribed by the European Commission Regulation No. 1881/2006.

Aflatoxin M1 Contamination Levels in Cheeses Sold in Isfahan Province, Iran.

ObjectivesAflatoxin M1 (AFM1)-contaminated dairy products pose serious human health risks, causing liver and renal failure if consumed. They are also related to decreased milk and egg production in infected animals. This study investigated the AFM1 contamination levels in cheeses sold in Isfahan province, Iran, by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).MethodsA total of 100 white cheese samples were randomly collected from supermarkets in Isfahan province and after extraction using dichloromethane were prepared for the ELISA.ResultsOf the 100 samples, 52 (52%) were contaminated by AFM1, at levels ranging from 50.2 to 424.4 ng/kg. The remaining 48% of the samples had undetectable AFM1 levels (< 50 ng/kg). Based on the standard limit set by the European Commission and Iran, 8% (8/100) of the AFM1-positive samples (with concentrations between 250.2 and 424.4 ng/kg) had levels higher than the permissible value of 250 ng/kg.ConclusionAlthough the percentage of cheese samples in Isfahan province with AFM1 levels exceeding the national permissible limit was low, the examination of cheeses and the milk used for their production is nevertheless important for ensuring public health. Furthermore, optimum storage conditions of animal feed should be ensured, and livestock nutrition must be monitored for the presence of AFM1 and other aflatoxins.

Aflatoxin B1 and Deoxynivalenol contamination of dairy feeds and presence of Aflatoxin M1 contamination in milk from smallholder dairy systems in Nakuru, Kenya

Mycotoxins are metabolites produced by phytopathogenic and spoilage fungi in animal feed as a result of poor storage. The mycotoxins can also originate in the field and are excreted in milk when dairy animals consume such feeds, posing a public health risk concern. The aim of this study was to conduct a risk assessment in the informal sub-value chains of rural and peri-urban dairy systems in Nakuru County, by determining the prevalence and quantity levels of mycotoxins in animal feeds and milk. A total of 74 animal feed samples and 120 milk samples were simultaneously collected from individual cows and actors in the informal dairy value chain. Feed samples were analyzed for Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and Deoxynivalenol (DON) while milk samples were analyzed for Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) using commercial Enzyme Linked Immune Sorbent Assay (ELISA) method. Aflatoxin B1 contamination levels in 56 % (41/74) of the animal feeds exceeded the European Union (EU) limits of 5 μg/kg ranging between 0 and 147.86 μg/kg. Deoxynivalenol (DON) was identified in 63 % (27/43) of all the animal feeds ranging between 0 and 179.89 μg/kg. In the peri-urban dairy system, 48.5 % (33/68) of the milk samples were contaminated with the AFM1 concentration above the EU regulation of 0.05 μg/L ranging between 0.017 and 0.083 μg/L. All milk samples from the rural dairy system had AFM1 contamination levels below the EU limits of 0.05 μg/L ranging between 0 and 0.041 μg/L. Linear regression model showed significant association of abiotic factors; pH, water activity and moisture content of animal feed with AFB1 and DON contamination of the animal feeds. The results obtained from this study indicate that the peri-urban dairy farms, where intensive management predominate face the challenge of quality feeds, and one contributing factor is the on-farm production and handling of animal feeds.

Detection of aflatoxin M1 in milk, cheese and sour cream samples from Costa Rica using enzyme-assisted extraction and HPLC

Aflatoxins are toxic fungal metabolites, which can be found in feed. Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is excreted into milk when ruminants ingest aflatoxin B1 contaminated feedstuffs. Due to its carcinogenic potential, contamination of milk and dairy products with AFM1 may pose a risk for consumers. Hence, it is considered a public health concern. In this survey, the level of AFM1 contamination of dairy products marketed in Costa Rica was determined by enzyme-assisted extraction, immunoaffinity clean-up and high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a fluorescent detector (HPLC-FLD) in fluid milk (n = 70), fresh cheese (n = 70) and sour cream (n = 70) collected at local convenience stores and supermarkets. AFM1 concentrations in milk and fresh cheese ranged from 19 to 629 ng/L and from 31 to 276 ng/L, with mean values of 136 ng/L and 74 ng/L, respectively, whereas none of the sour cream samples analysed tested positive for this aflatoxin. In 30 milk samples, and 10 cheese samples, AFM1 concentrations surpassed threshold concentrations as established by the European Commission. Thus, sour cream and – to a lesser extent – cheese manufacturing seems to reduce the amount of AFM1 present in milk, possibly due to fraction redistribution or microbiological degradation. The survey results reveal improper quality control procedures in the Costa Rican dairy industry. Therefore, a surveillance programme for dairy products in our country is recommended.

Mineral Content and Mycotoxin Level in Different Classes of Cheese Marketed in Sharkia Governorate, Egypt

Ninety (90) different local (small scale and large scale) and imported cheese samples which were consumed by different classes of consumers were collected from different markets in Sharkia, Egypt for analyzing them for mineral content and mycotoxin level. The results revealed that 9 out of 30 examined small scale cheese samples (30 %) were contaminated by ochratoxin A (OTA), the minimum was 2.0 ppb and the maximum was 5.0 ppb, while only 7/30 (23.33%) of examined large scale cheese samples were contaminated by OTA with a mean value of 1.98±0.32 ppb. On the other side imported cheese samples was contaminated by OTA by percentage of 36.67%. All the positive samples of the three types were Exceeding Egyptian regulation permissible limits (P.L.). Regarding aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) level in the examined samples the results showed that the small scale samples have the highest contamination level with AFM1 recording 56.67% (17 out of 30) with levels ranging from 32.3 to 50.2 ng/kg and all the positive samples had AFM1 levels exceeding Egyptian regulation P.L., while the lowest AFM1 contamination level present in the imported cheese samples recording 33.33 % with a mean 25.74±1.82 ng/kg. Trace and heavy metals including Pb, Cd, Hg, Cu and Zn were present in the range of Zn > Pb> Cu > Cd >Hg in small scale and imported cheese samples, while in large scale samples it was in the order of Pb > Cu > Cd >Zn >Hg. The results of this study indicate that continuous monitoring of chemical contaminant levels in different types of cheese consumed by different classes of consumers in Sharkia Governorate should be regularly done. It also shows an alarming situation with respect to cheeses produced from all classes (small scale, large scale and even imported types).

Analysis of aflatoxin M1 and M2 in commercial dairy products using high-performance liquid chromatography with a fluorescence detector

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) and M2 (AFM2) in commercial dairy products were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a fluorescence detector (FLD). To ensure an accurate analysis, two derivatization methods, bromination and aflatoxin–trifluoroacetic acid derivatization (ATD), were compared. The limits of detection (LODs) of the bromination method were 124.42–151.73 ng/kg, and the recovery rates were between 64 and 102%. The detection rates and concentration levels of AFM1 were 6–74% and 14.48–270.94 ng/kg, respectively. AFM1 was detected in 74% of milk powder samples and 36% of ice cream samples. The mean values of AFM1 in milk powder and ice cream samples were 270.94 and 33.16 ng/kg, respectively. In the case of AFM2, the detection rates were 2–10%, and the concentration levels were 20.62–55.67 ng/kg in milk and milk powder. Among milk and milk powder samples, ultra heat-treated (UHT) milk had lower AFM1 contamination levels than pasteurized milk.

Study on the Level of Aflatoxin M1 Contamination in Raw and Processed Milk Marketed in Kathmandu Valley

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is the principal hydroxylated AFB1 metabolite mainly present in milk. In this study the levels of Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in Raw and Pasteurized milk marketed in Kathmandu valley was estimated. Altogether 32 milk samples (Raw 16, Pasteurized 16) obtained from different areas of Kathmandu valley were analysed for AFM1 by Thin Layer Chromatography. The milk samples were analyzed according to the official AOAC methods, which included extraction of toxin using chloroform, clearing by silica gel column chromatography, qualitative analysis by Thin Layer Chromatography and quantification by Visual comparison of the spots. AFM1 was found in 14 (43.75%) of milk samples examined. The levels of AFM1 in 7 (21.87%) samples were higher than the maximum tolerance limit (0.05 µg/l) accepted by some European countries while none of the samples exceeded the prescribed limit of US regulations. The mean concentration of AFM1 was higher in Raw milk (0.030 ± 0.042 µg/l) compared to pasteurized (0.022 ± 0.039) but the difference was not statistically significant (p&gt;0.05). This finding reflects that milk marketed in Kathmandu valley contains residual level of Aflatoxin M1 and pose public health risk. Therefore, milk and milk products have to be screened for AFM1 contamination periodically. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jfstn.v7i0.10598 J. Food Sci. Technol. Nepal, Vol. 7 (52-56), 2012

Analysis of industry-generated data. Part 1: A baseline for the development of a tool to assist the milk industry in designing sampling plans for controlling aflatoxin M1 in milk

The presence of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in milk was assessed in Italy in the framework of designing a monitoring plan actuated by the milk industry in the period 2005–10. Overall, 21 969 samples were taken from tankers collecting milk from 690 dairy farms. The milk samples were representative of the consignments of co-mingled milk received from multiple (two to six) farms. Systematic, biweekly sampling of consignments involved each of the 121 districts (70 in the North, 17 in the Central and 34 in the South regions of Italy). AFM1 concentration was measured using an enzyme-linked immunoassay method (validated within the range of 5–100 ng kg−1) whereas an HPLC method was used for the quantification of levels in the samples that had concentrations higher than 100 ng kg−1. Process control charts using data collected in three processing plants illustrate, as an example, the seasonal variation of the contamination. The mean concentration of AFM1 was in the range between 11 and 19 ng kg−1. The 90th and 99th percentile values were 19–34 and 41–91 ng kg−1, respectively, and values as high as 280 ng kg−1 were reached in 2008. The number of non-compliant consignments (those with an AFM1 concentration above the statutory limit of 50 ng kg−1) varied between 0.3% and 3.1% per year, with peaks in September, after the maize harvest season. The variability between different regions was not significant. The results show that controlling the aflatoxins in feed at farm level was inadequate, consequently screening of raw milk prior to processing was needed. The evaluation of the AFM1 contamination level observed during a long-term period can provide useful data for defining the frequency of sampling.

Aflatoxin B1 and M1 contamination in cow feeds and milk from Iran

In this study, 288 milk samples were collected randomly from individual farms in Qazvin province from March to February 2012, Iran. Samples were analysed for Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) by ELISA; also the Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) contamination in animal feed was determined at the same time as the sampling of raw milk. One hundred and sixty-three samples (56.59%) were found to contain AFM1 at various levels; the presence of AFM1 was detected in a concentration ranging between 0.01 and 0.22 ppb. In 113 (69.32%) of the 163 milk samples, AFM1 levels were found to be higher than the maximum tolerable limit (0.05 ppb) accepted by the European union/Codex Alimentarius Commission. The mean AFM1 contamination levels in milk in summer and winter were 0.08 and 0.18 ppb, respectively. The AFB1 contamination level in the winter feed (2.27 ± 1.76) was higher than from summer (0.83 ± 0.60) (P < 0.05).

Short communication: Aflatoxin M1 in dairy products sold in Şanlıurfa, Turkey

The aim of this study was to detect the presence of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in samples of raw milk (n=38), UHT milk (n=12), white pickled cheese (n=50), and yogurt (n=50) collected from the Şanlıurfa city markets and locally produced dairy products by ELISA. The mean contamination rates were 56.74±40.32, 43.1±23.19, 103.2±29.13, and 55.28±12.68ng/kg, respectively, for raw milk, UHT milk, white pickled cheese, and yogurt. According to the data, 21 (55%) raw milk, 3 (25%) UHT milk, 10 (20%) white pickled cheese, and 10 (20%) yogurt samples were contaminated with AFM1 over the acceptable levels (≥50ng/kg), ranging from 0.82 to 130.89ng/kg. None of the white pickled cheese samples contained AFM1 levels above the Turkish legal limit (250ng/kg). Consequently, the AFM1 contamination levels determined in this study in white pickled cheese were not considered to pose a serious public health hazard. However, the AFM1 levels in raw and UHT milk and yogurt samples indicate an increased human health risk in Turkey related to high aflatoxin levels. Therefore, milk and dairy products have to be monitored by the Turkish public health authorities continuously to detect AFM1 contamination.

Monitoring Aflatoxin M1 levels in ewe's and goat's milk in Thessaly, Greece; potential risk factors under organic and conventional production schemes

Consumers prefer organic food as they consider it healthier and safer. Since Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in milk and dairy is considered as hazard to human health this study aimed to assess the level of AFM1 contamination in ewes and goats raw milk in Greece, identify possible risk factors and compare organic and conventional milk.Thirty-nine organic and 39 conventional farms participated in this study and 243 samples were collected, during a lactation period (December–July). A standardized questionnaire and a sampling protocol were completed for all farms and samples, including information for the farming system. Samples were screened for AFM1 with ELISA and confirmed with HPLC. Analytical results were statistically analysed as to explore any associations with the questionnaire data for possible risk factors.Out of 234 samples analysed, in 191 (81.6%) samples AFM1 was not detected, while 4 (1.7%) were found above the EU maximum tolerable limit of 50 ng kg−1. There was no conventional samples found over the maximum limit for AFM1 (0/117), while 4/117 (3.4%) organic samples exceeded 50 ng kg−1 [no statistically significant difference (p-value = 0.122)]. It was found more possible for organic farms to present AFM1 contamination in comparison to conventional [no statistically significant difference (RR 1.2, 95%CI 0.71–2.02, p-value = 0.492)]. Among several potential risk factors investigated for AFM1 milk contamination, the use of warehouse for feed storage (OR 2.69, 95%CI 1.25–5.79), winter season (OR 2.58, 95%CI 1.07–6.24) and feeding field pea (OR 4.17, 95%CI 1.41–12.32) were identified as statistically significant.Organic milk samples were not found less contaminated with AFM1, but even higher contamination is possible, in comparison to conventional milk. The complex of the associated risk factors in AFM1 contamination found (winter season, feed storage practises and feeding pea), indicates that these should be associated when assessing AFM1 contamination risk in milk and that constant monitoring and increased farmer's awareness is needed.