Aflatoxin M1 Levels Research Articles

Aflatoxin M1 level and risk assessment in milk, yogurt, and cheese in Tabriz, Iran

Aim and BackgroundThe objective of this study was to investigate the presence of aflatoxin M1(AFM1) in milk, yogurt, and cheese samples collected from Tabriz, Iran. Additionally, the study conducted a risk assessment related to the consumption of milk and dairy products within Tabriz city. Study MethodFor this study, 56 samples (raw milk, pasteurized milk, ultra-high temperature milk (UHT), traditional yogurt, pasteurized yogurt, traditional cheese, and pasteurized cheese) were collected randomly in Tabriz from December 2021 to March 2022. The analysis was carried out using liquid chromatography, which was equipped with a fluorescence detector. The estimated dietary intake (EDI) and the hazard index (HI) were calculated for the risk assessment. Results and DiscussionAFM1 was detected in all samples. The highest concentration of AFM1 was observed in traditional cheese (P<0.05). The lowest concentration was observed in UHT milk and there were no significant differences between raw milk and pasteurized yogurt(P<0.05). Moreover, in all samples, the levels of AFM1 were below the maximum limit permitted by Iranian national standards. AFM1 levels in traditional yogurt exceeded the European Union's permissible limit in 25% of the samples. The HI in all samples was less than one for both adult and child consumers, except for milk samples for children, which were more than one and indicated a medium risk. In conclusion, the levels of contamination in milk and dairy products and risk assessment appear not to pose a public health risk to Tabriz consumers.

An Assessment of the Prevalence of Aflatoxin M1 Level in Milk and Milk Powder based on High Performance Liquid Chromatography and Dietary Risk Assessment

Milk is susceptible to Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) contamination, mainly through consumption of contaminated animal's feed. The natural occurrence of aflatoxin M1 (AFB1) has been surveyed in samples of milk and milk powder. Samples collected from different regions of Saudi Arabia during the period from 2013 to 2021 were subjected to high-performance liquid chromatography analysis, and (AFB1) was quantified with detection limits of 0.5µg/kg. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority has taken strong actions to limit AFM1 contamination, increase aflatoxin control, and modify the regulations. A study analyzed 363 randomly collected milk samples (168 milk, 195 milk powder) from Saudi Arabia using LC-MS/MS. Out of the 363 samples, 20 were positive for AFM1, with 343 were within the limits. One out of the 168 milk samples and 19 out of the 195 milk powder samples exceeded the limits, with seven originating from Saudi Arabia. The highest AFM1 concentration (3.97µg/kg) was found in the Saudi samples. Saudi Arabia's mycotoxin regulations significantly reduced AFM1 contamination in milk, which is not considered a serious health hazard.

Quantitative Risk Assessment of Aflatoxin M1 Related to the Consumption of Raw Cow's Milk in Daloa (Côte d’Ivoire)

Cow's milk represents a potential health risk for consumers. The objective of this work is to assess the sanitary quality of raw cow's milk produced and consumed by the populations of Daloa. For this purpose, a total of 30 raw milk samples were collected from 3 raw cow's milk extraction points in the city of Daloa. Mycotoxins were determined using gas chromatography. The results showed that 100% of the analyzed samples were contaminated with aflatoxin M1 (AFLM1). These results indicated that the aflatoxin M1 levels in the analyzed samples exceeded the maximum limit (ML) set by European regulations. To assess the risk of contamination for the population of Daloa, a survey was conducted among consumers of raw cow's milk. A total of 388 individuals were interviewed to gather their opinions. The survey involved a form with questionnaires related to the objectives of the study. This form provided information on identity, marital status, consumption patterns, frequency, quantity, and the socio-economic characteristics of the consumers. The results showed that the risk of liver cancer related to the consumption of raw cow's milk in the city of Daloa is approximately 36.08% to 36.16%; representing 36,080 to 36,150 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Thus, to ensure consumer safety, good hygiene practices in the preservation of feed for cattle and the construction of enclosures for them must be implemented.

The relationship between aflatoxin M1 and immunoglobulin levels in cows' colostrum.

The purpose of the present research was to assess the amounts of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) and immunoglobulin (IgA, IgG, and IgM) in cow colostrum samples, as well as their relationship. The sampling involved 90 cows (54 Montofon and 36 Simmental) from 15 independent farms. An appropriate number of samples from the total mixed ration (TMR) used in feeding the cows were collected simultaneously with the colostrum samples. AFB1 in feed, AFM1, and immunoglobulin (IgA, IgG, and IgM) levels in colostrum were evaluated using the ELISA method. The AFM1 level in colostrum samples exceeded the maximum allowed values for raw milk. Ig levels were higher in Montofon-breed cows' colostrum than in Simmentals. However, it was determined that neither the breed nor the lactation number significantly affected the colostrum Ig level. It was determined that there was no linear relationship between the number of lactations and immunoglobulin levels or between AFM1 and immunoglobulin levels in colostrum. Similarly, it was determined that there was no linear relationship between the AFB1 level in the feed and the AFM1 level in the colostrum of animals consuming these feeds.

Aflatoxin M1 levels in urine and breast milk of lactating mothers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Aflatoxins are carcinogens that can contaminate food and affect various body organs especially liver and kidney. When consumed, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is partially metabolised into aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), which is excreted in the urine. Breast milk may also contain AFM1 due to maternal dietary intake from contaminated food. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the levels of AFM1 in both urine and breast milk among breastfeeding mothers (n = 256). The mother’s demographic information was collected during recruitment. Mothers were then scheduled for an appointment to provide a morning urine sample along with five to ten mL samples of breast milk. AFM1 levels in both samples were analysed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Spearman’s rho and Chi-square were used to determine the associations between mean levels of AFM1 in urine and breast milk. Findings show 68.0% of urine samples were contaminated with AFM1 (mean levels = 0.08 ± 0.04 ng/mL), while 14.8% of breast milk samples had AFM1 (mean levels = 5.94 ± 1.81 ng/kg). Urine AFM1 levels were not significantly associated with AFM1 levels in breast milk (p > 0.05). This study can act as a baseline for future research examining long-term aflatoxin exposure among both mothers and infants.

Assessing the Biodetoxification Potential of Enterococcus faecium on Aflatoxin M1 in Fresh Raw Cow Milk

Study’s Novelty/Excerpt This study contributes to the field of food safety by exploring the bio-detoxification potential of E. faecium isolates from locally fermented cow milk for reducing Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) contamination. By employing both biochemical and molecular methods to identify and utilize these isolates, the research provides innovative insights into an environmentally friendly and health-beneficial approach to mitigating aflatoxin contamination. The findings demonstrate a significant AFM1 binding capacity of E. faecium, highlighting its potential as a practical and safe biocontrol agent, which is critical for improving milk safety standards and public health protection. Full Abstract The adverse effects of aflatoxins on the economy and public health have prompted research into strategies to prevent their contamination in food and feed. Biological methods have become popular because they are environmentally friendly and beneficial for health. This research aims to determine the bio-detoxification potential of E. faecium, on Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in raw cow milk. Biochemical and molecular methods were used to identify the E. faecium isolates obtained from locally fermented cow milk (Nono). Three (3) distinct sampling locations in the Zaria metropolis, Dan-Magaji, Kufena, and Gabari, were used to gather nine (9) fresh milk samples. A quick test kit was used to screen the samples for AFM1 contamination. To determine the level of contamination, AFM1-contaminated samples were analyzed using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis. The isolates were injected into the tainted milk samples at a cell density of 1.5 x 108cfu/mL and 3.0x108cfu/mL for 30 and 60 minutes at 4 and 37 degrees Celsius. The amount of unbound AFM1 in the samples was measured using HPLC analysis and surface binding assay. "ANOVA" single factor and two ways were used to analyze the data. All collected raw milk samples were contaminated with aflatoxin M1 at concentrations exceeding the EU/NAFDAC limit of ≤0.05 µg/L. The isolates bound AFM1 at 35-45% rates at a cell concentration of 3.0x108 cfu/mL at 37°C for 60 minutes. This research suggests that E. faecium could be an effective option for reducing AFM1 contamination in milk samples due to its harmless nature and recognition as generally safe. Additionally, regulatory agencies should implement thorough monitoring to ensure AFM1 levels in milk and milk products remain below acceptable limits.

Risk Assessment of AFM1 in Raw Milk and Dairy Products Produced in Armenia, a Caucasus Region Country: A Pilot Study.

This paper presents the first assessment of dietary exposure to aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) and associated health risks through milk and dairy product consumption in Armenia. Data on AFM1 in raw milk were obtained from an annual residue monitoring program. Additionally, commonly consumed dairy products (pasteurized milk, cheese, sour cream, curd cheese) were sampled, considering the sources of raw milk used by dairy companies. Per capita consumption of raw milk was sourced from national food balance databases, while individual consumption data for dairy products was collected via a 24 h recall survey with 1400 adult respondents. Detectable levels of AFM1 were observed in 7.14% of raw milk samples (up to 0.334 μg/kg) and, albeit at lower amounts (up to 0.009 µg/kg), in 30% and 40% of sour cream and curd cheese, respectively. The AFM1 levels were lower than the national maximum permitted level (0.5 μg/kg); however, levels in raw milk exceeded the EU ML (0.05 μg/kg). The estimated margin of exposure values for dairy products indicated no significant risk, whereas a reasonable worst-case estimate, using the measurable levels of AFM1 in raw milk consumption indicated a potential public health concern. This study provides a scientific basis for evaluating aflatoxin issues in the Caucasus area.

Aflatoxin M1 Exposure and Health Risk Assessment in Children and Adults due to Pasteurized Milk Consumption in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Milk and dairy products stand as essential sources of nutrition across all age groups. However, the presence of Aflatoxin M1, particularly common and risky for young children, necessitates careful assessment of milk. This study, conducted in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, aimed to evaluate the prevalence of Aflatoxin M1 using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography in pasteurized milk and assess associated health risks using deterministic techniques. The prevalence of Aflatoxin M1 in pasteurized milk was 56.6%, with Aflatoxin M1 levels ranging from 0 to 6.27 μg/L and a mean value of 1.237 μg/L. The risk assessment revealed substantial Aflatoxin M1 exposure risk from pasteurized milk consumption, as reflected by margin of exposure values &lt;10,000, specifically 25.9, 109.6, and 380 for children aged 2–5, 6–9, and adults, respectively. The hazard index values for pasteurized milk consumers were 110, 26, and 7.5 for children aged 2–5, 6–9, and adults, respectively. Furthermore, cancer risk calculations yielded values of 0.18, 0.04, and 0.01 per 100,000 population for children aged 2–5, 6–9, and adults, respectively, with an average potency of 0.007978 cases per 100,000/yr ng Aflatoxin M1/kg bw/day. Notably, children aged 2–5 and 6–7 face elevated risks, whereas adults face relatively lower risks.

Aflatoxin M1 mitigation by novel biological agents and evaluation of bioaccessibility with enzymatic digestion in milk

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is a metabolite of AFB1 that is formed in the liver and excreted in the mammary glands of ruminants who fed an AFB1-contaminated feed. This study focused on the AFM1 binding ability of biological agents including lactic acid bacteria (Leuconostoc mesenteroides) and yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), chitosan as a biopolymer, and inulin as a prebiotic besides their effects on the AFM1 bioaccessibility in milk. Bioaccessibility refers to the amount of a contaminant in food that can reach the systemic circulation and exert its toxic effects on the body. In vitro gastrointestinal digestion model developed by RIVM for specifically mycotoxins was employed for assessing AFM1 bioaccessibility. Moreover, the colon phase was enzymatically simulated to evaluate the state of bound and unbound AFM1 that passed from the intestine to the colon and excreted from the body. Unbound AFM1 levels were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The bound AFM1 percentages after incubation varied between 26.7% and 50.9%, and the best binder was found as S. cerevisiae while chitosan showed the lowest binding level. Following in vitro digestion practice, the lowest bioaccessibility after small intestine (29.30 ± 2.29%) digestion was acquired with S. cerevisiae, however; the lowest bioaccessibility after the colon phase (51.55 ± 3.38%) was acquired with L. mesenteroides. On the other hand, L. mesenteroides and chitosan were found more stable binders through the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). The present results showed that the bound AFM1 levels in food and absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract were affected by natural binders.

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.

Reduction and binding of aflatoxin M1 in milk by Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus brevis isolated from Siahmazgi cheese

This study aimed to diagnose the ability of two probiotic strains isolated from Siahmazgi cheese to reduce the concentration of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), which was able to reduce it up to 50%. Two strains of Lactobacillus isolated from local Siahmazgi cheese, were inoculated into raw milk containing 10 ng/mL AFM1. AFM1 levels were assessed by HPLC at 0, 24, 48 and 72 h. Also, for the assessment of the possible reduction of AFM1 by non-viable bacterial cells, heat treatment was applied in milk. In general, significant differences were observed between the control group and AFM1 contaminated milk samples containing probiotics during 72 h of refrigeration (p < 0.05). In the presence of Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus plantarum and mixture probiotics, the concentrations of AFM1 ranged from 0.102 ± 0.004 ng/mL to 0.052 ± 0.002 ng/mL, 0.114 ± 0.002 ng/mL to 0.074 ± 0.003 ng/mL and 0.108 ± 0.003 ng/mL to 0.065 ± 0.002 ng/mL, respectively. Also, in the heated group, just a decrease was observed in the first 24 h. The results showed that native Iranian strains of Lactobacillus have good potential in reducing AFM1 in milk. The time factor is effective in reducing AFM1 by living bacterial cells.

Detection of aflatoxin in raw and pasteurized milk by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in central Ethiopia

Aflatoxins are a group of structurally related mycotoxins produced by the Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus parasiticus, and Aspergillus nomius species as secondary metabolites. Well-known forms of Aflatoxin are AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2, AFM1, and AFM2. aflatoxin B1 is the most prevalent one. It can be metabolized in the liver and excreted as aflatoxin M1 in milk. Both forms have mutagenic and carcinogenic effects. In Ethiopia, there is limited information on the occurrence and contamination level of aflatoxin in raw and pasteurized milk. The present study was conducted in the Addis Ababa milk shed area to detect and quantify the level of Aflatoxin M1 in raw and pasteurized milk. A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2020 to May 2021 on a total of 114 cow milk samples consisting of 60 raw milk and 54 pasteurized milk samples with the aim of detecting and quantifying the amount of aflatoxin M1 in raw and pasteurized milk in central Ethiopia by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using C18 column with fluorescence detector. AFM1 was detected in 79 (69.3%) of the 114 tested milk samples. The maximum and mean concentrations were 0.893 µg/L and 0.0465 µg/L, respectively. 25.4% of them contain AFM1 above the maximum limit of EU (0.05 µg/L), and 1.8% contained above the maximum limit of CES278 and FDA (0.5 µg/L). 26.7% of the samples from Sebata and 6.7% from Sululta contain above the maximum limit of EU (0.05 µg/L). Higher contamination of AFM1 was detected in pasteurized milk (96.3%) than in raw milk (16.7%). 35.2% of pasteurized and 16% of raw milk contained AFM1 above the maximum limit of EU0.05 µg /L. The study results showed a significant difference in AFM1 occurrence with feed type, storage time, and milk type. The current AFM1 concentration level in raw and pasteurized milk was not safe for human consumption in the study areas. Due to its heat resistance, AFM1 is found in pasteurized milk and has great health effects. Creating awareness of feed management for feed producers and farmers and developing risk mitigation methods are crucial in order to reduce public health threats.

Importance of Rigorous and Ongoing Monitoring of Animal Feed Quality and Storage Conditions to Mitigate Aflatoxin M1 Contamination in Dairy Products in Iran: A Health Policy Brief

Background: Milk and dairy products are essential for global nutrition, and ensuring their safety is crucial. Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), a carcinogen from contaminated animal feed, poses a significant threat to consumers. Objectives: This "health policy brief" highlights the critical need for meticulous and constant monitoring of Iran's animal feed quality and storage conditions to minimize AFM1 contamination in dairy products. Methods: Comprehensive review papers on AFM1 were reviewed in Iranian dairy products, drawing evidence from various databases. Results: The prevalence of AFM1 contamination in Iranian dairy products, particularly risky for children due to extensive consumption, exceeds safety limits, with livestock feed identified as the primary source. Public health demands rigorous monitoring practices, such as stricter feed quality and storage regulations, regular aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) testing, stakeholder collaboration, and public awareness. There are many benefits associated with these measures, including lowering AFM1 levels in dairy products, improving food safety standards, minimizing AFM1 exposure risks, especially for children, and increasing consumer confidence in the integrity of the Iranian dairy industry. Conclusions: Continuous monitoring of animal feed is crucial to safeguard public health and ensure the safety of Iranian dairy products, particularly for children. This comprehensive approach, collaboration, and public awareness are vital to mitigating AFM1 contamination and promoting Iran's safe and robust dairy industry.

Determination of aflatoxin M1 and ochratoxin A in breast milk in rural centers of Yazd, Iran: Exposure assessment and risk characterization.

Breast milk (BM) is considered as the best source of nutrition which could have prevention effects on various diseases in the first years of a child. Along with nutritive compounds, presence of contaminants such as mycotoxins in BM could be transmitted into neonate. The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence, levels, and factors associated with the presence of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) and ocratoxin a (OTA) in BM samples of nursing mothers in rural centers of Yazd, Iran. The presence and average AFM1 and OTA concentration in 72 BM samples was measured by competitive ELISA. The demographic and diet parameters of nursing mothers were collected by a questionnaire and were analyzed using SPSS 18 software. AFM1 and OTA were detected in 63 (87.5%) and 47 (65.2%) samples with the mean concentration levels of 19.46 ± 13.26ng/L (ranges from 5.1 to 53.9) and 200 ± 160ng/L (ranges from 100 to 2460), respectively. Of these, 32 samples (50.7%) for AFM1 and 23 samples (48.9%) for OTA had values exceeding the limit set by the European Union regulation for infant foods (25ng/L for AFM1 and 500ng/L for OTA). It was also found that the risk of AFM1 and OTA occurrence in BM increased significantly with the consumption of beans, bread, cereals, fruit juice and crackers, and cream, respectively. This study showed that the estimated daily intake for AFM1 and OTA by 1month of age infants was 2.7 and 28.5ng/kg bw/day, respectively, while, as the age of the infant increased, the values were lower and close to 0.9 and 9.9ng/kg bw/day for AFM1 and OTA in 12months of age infants, respectively. The high occurrence and noticeable levels of AFM1 and OTA detected in this study indicated that some infants receive undesirable exposures to AFM1 and OTA with breast milk. Therefore, it is recommended that mothers are advised to avoid certain foods during pregnancy and breastfeeding that are likely sources of mycotoxins.

Fungal profile, levels of aflatoxin M1, exposure, and the risk characterization of local cheese ‘wagashi’ consumed in the Ho Municipality, Volta Region, Ghana

Wagashi is a West African type cottage cheese locally prepared from cow milk. Wagashi like other milk products, is prone to microbial contamination, particularly by fungi. Many of these fungal species produce mycotoxins which are of serious public health concern. This work aimed to update the mycoflora profile and determine the concentrations of aflatoxin M1 and its health risk characterization due to the consumption of wagashi. Culturing the wagashi on mycological media (Oxytetracycline Glucose Yeast Extract OGYE, Dichloran Rose Bengal Chloramphenicol DRBC) caused a de-novo growth of the quiescent spores at 28–30 °C for 5–7 days. The analysis of AFM1 levels in the samples was done using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography connected to a Fluorescence detector (HPLC-FLD). The exposure and risk assessment to the AFMI levels were determined using deterministic models prescribed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). The fungal counts ranged between 2.36–4.30 log10 CFU/g. In total, thirteen (13) fungal species from eight (8) genera were isolated from all wagashi samples. They are; Fusarium oxysporum, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium verticillioides, Penicillium digitatum, Trichoderma harzianum, Aspergillus terreus, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, Rhizopus stolonifer, Aspergillus fumigatus, Yeast sp., Mucor racemosus and Fusarium oligosporum belonging to the genera Fusarium, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Trichoderma, Rhodotorula, Rhizopus, Yeast, and Mucor. The AFM1 observed in the wagashi samples' analysis was low, ranging from 0.00 (Not Detected) ± 0.00 − 0.06 ± 0.002 µg/Kg. Risk assessments of AFM1 using deterministic models produced outcomes that ranged between 5.92 × 10−3- 0.14 ng/kg bw/day, 1.42 –44.35, 0–0.0323 ng aflatoxins/kg bw/day, and 1.51 × 10−3 − 9.69 × 10−4 cases/100,000 person/yr for estimated daily intake (EDI), margin of exposure (MOE), average potency, and cancer risks, respectively, for the age categories investigated. Fungal counts were interpreted as medium to high. It was also established that the consumption of wagashi may pose adverse health effects on all age categories in the selected zones of the study since all calculated MOE values were less than 100,000.

Aflatoxin M1 Analysis in Urine of Mill Workers in Bangladesh: A Pilot Study.

Presence of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in food and feed is a serious problem, especially in developing countries. Human exposure to this carcinogenic mycotoxin can occur through dietary intake, but also through inhalation or dermal contact when handling and processing AFB1-contaminated crops. A suitable biomarker of AFB1 exposure by all routes is the occurrence of its hydroxylated metabolite aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in urine. To assess mycotoxin exposure in mill workers in Bangladesh, we analyzed AFM1 levels in urine samples of this population group who may encounter both dietary and occupational AFB1 exposure. In this pilot study, a total of 76 participants (51 mill workers and 25 controls) were enrolled from the Sylhet region of Bangladesh. Urine samples were collected from people who worked in rice, wheat, maize and spice mills and from controls with no occupational contact to these materials. A questionnaire was used to collect information on basic characteristics and normal food habits of all participants. Levels of AFM1 in the urine samples were determined by a competitive enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. AFM1 was detected in 96.1% of mill workers' urine samples with a range of LOD (40) of 217.7 pg/mL and also in 92% of control subject's urine samples with a range of LOD of 307.0 pg/mL). The mean level of AFM1 in mill workers' urine (106.5 ± 35.0 pg/mL) was slightly lower than that of the control group (123.3 ± 52.4 pg/mL), whilst the mean AFM1 urinary level adjusted for creatinine was higher in mill workers (142.1 ± 126.1 pg/mg crea) than in the control group (98.5 ± 71.2 pg/mg crea). Yet, these differences in biomarker levels were not statistically significant. Slightly different mean urinary AFM1 levels were observed between maize mill, spice mill, rice mill, and wheat mill workers, yet biomarker values are based on a small number of individuals in these subgroups. No significant correlations were found between the study subjects' urine AFM1 levels and their consumption of some staple food items, except for a significant correlation observed between urinary biomarker levels and consumption of groundnuts. In conclusion, this pilot study revealed the frequent presence of AFM1 in the urine of mill workers in Bangladesh and those of concurrent controls with dietary AFB1 exposure only. The absence of a statistical difference in mean biomarker levels for workers and controls suggests that in the specific setting, no extra occupational exposure occurred. Yet, the high prevalence of non-negligible AFM1 levels in the collected urines encourage further studies in Bangladesh regarding aflatoxin exposure.

Evaluation of aflatoxin M1 and nutritional content in Kosovo’s market cheese samples

The ubiquitous presence and potent carcinogenic effects of aflatoxins, a group of mycotoxins, pose a significant threat to global food safety, especially within the dairy sector. This research aimed to evaluate the prevalence and distribution of Aflatoxin M1 in diverse cheese varieties within Kosovo’s markets in 2022 and discern potential correlations with cheese types, processing conditions, and nutritional parameters to enhance understanding and ensure the safety of dairy products. In the latter half of 2022, a total of 93 different types of manufactured cheese samples from 15 different countries were analysed for Aflatoxin M1 toxin content using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. The results of the research indicate that several countries have exceeded the concentration of 0.05 ug/kg for Aflatoxin M1, set as the maximum tolerable limit for milk and milk products in many countries. Notable, cheese samples from Albania exhibited substantially (p=0.000) higher levels of Aflatoxin M1 compared to other nations. The results showed that the Aflatoxin M1 concentration did not exhibit statistically significant variations based on the regulated total fat content (p=0.902), carbohydrate content (p=0.741), protein concentration (p=0.298), or salt content (p=0.122) within the cheese. The results demonstrated that Aflatoxin M1 levels were not significantly (p=0.926) affected by cheese consistency. While different starter cultures were associated with varying Aflatoxin M1 concentrations, these differences were not statistically significant (p=0.472). Similarly, ageing time did not exert a significant (p=0.691) impact on AFM1 levels, as concentrations remained relatively consistent across different ageing periods. These findings provide valuable insights into the variations in Aflatoxin M1 levels in cheese samples among different countries. They highlight the importance of regulatory measures and continuous monitoring to ensure food safety and adherence to maximum allowable limits

Aflatoxin M1 Concentrations, Adulterants, Microbial Loads, and Physicochemical Properties of Raw Milk Collected From Nekemte City, Ethiopia.

Milk is an essential part of the human diet and is a nutrient-rich food that improves nutrition and food security. The aim of this study was to determine the presence and concentration of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), adulterants, microbial loads, and physicochemical properties of raw cow's milk (CM) in Nekemte City, Ethiopia. A total of 12 samples of fresh CM were purposefully collected from four kebeles in the city (Bake Jama, Burka Jato, Cheleleki, and Bakanisa Kese) based on the potential of each milk production and distributor site. The AFM1 concentration was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a Sigma-Aldrich standard (St. Louis, MO, USA). The concentrations of AFM1 in Bake Jama, Burka Jato, Cheleleki, and Bakanisa Kese were found to be 0.01-0.03 g/L, 0.31-0.35 g/L, 0.19-0.21 g/L, and 0.04-0.07 g/L, respectively. The concentrations of AFM1 in the present study varied significantly (p < 0.05) and ranged from 0.01 g/L to 0.35 g/L. These results show that of the 12 samples tested, all were positive for AFM1 and contaminated to varying degrees. The results of this study also revealed that the concentration of AFM1 in 7 (58%) of the 12 milk samples was above the European Union's (EU) maximum tolerance limit (0.05 g/L). The present study also revealed that of the investigated adulterants, only the addition of water had positive effects on three milk samples, while the remaining adulterants were not detected in any of the milk samples. The total bacterial count (TBC) and total coliform count (TCC) were significantly (p < 0.05) different and ranged from 5.53 to 6.82 log10cfumL-1 and from 4.21 to 4.74 log10cfumL-1, respectively. The physicochemical properties of the milk samples in the present study were significantly (p < 0.05) different and ranged from 2.8% to 5.75% fat, 7.03% to 9.75% solid-not-fat (SNF), 2.35% to 3.61% protein, 3.33% to 5.15% lactose, 11.54% to 13.69% total solid, 0.16% to 0.18% titratable acid, 26.7 to 32.1°C, 6.35 to 6.55 pH, and 1.027 to 1.030 specific gravity. The physicochemical parameters of the raw milk in the study area met the required quality standards. Hence, further studies are required to determine the extent of the problem and the factors associated with high levels of AFM1 in raw milk in the study areas, including the detection of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in animal feed.

Comparative Study of Aflatoxin M1 Carry-Over from Feed to Raw ‎Milk in Cow, Buffalo, Sheep, and Goats in Different Areas of ‎Baghdad Province

Mycotoxin aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a threat to food safety and human health because it is present in animal feed and is metabolized into aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), a more toxic form, during lactation. The aim of this study was to quantify AFM1 concentrations in raw milk of buffalos, cows, sheep, and goats sampled randomly from four regions within Baghdad ‎Province, Iraq, and to compare these levels with the maximum allowable levels set forth by the ‎European Commission (EC), the Iraqi Standard Specification (IQS), and the food and Drug Administration (FDA). The carry-over of AFB1 from feed to AFM1 in milk were also calculated for each of the ‎studied species. A total of 200 random samples, including 50 each from cows, buffaloes, ‎sheep, and goats, were collected from farms located in Zu'afraniya, Nahrawan, Abu Ghraib, and ‎Fedhalia regions. AFM1 and AFB1 concentrations were determined using the ‎enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Raw milk samples from cows, sheep, buffaloes, and goats were all found to have AFM1 concentrations that were below the limits set by the EC, IQS, and FDA. Animal feed samples, on the other hand, had AFB1 concentrations of 10.08, 5.95, 4.27, and 7.10 ppb for ‎buffaloes, cows, sheep, and goats, respectively. The observed carry-over rates ranged from 0.36% ‎in goats to 0.78% in buffaloes to 0.66% in cows. Multiple factors, including animal species, ‎are considered, and it is determined that a universal carry-over equation cannot be applied to all cases. ‎Therefore, it is essential to regularly monitor AFM1 levels in milk from various animal species in order to ‎lessen potential health risks. Furthermore, the study suggests enhancing agricultural and veterinary ‎practices to better regulate feed quality for dairy animals‎‎‎‎.

Assessment of Aflatoxin M1 in human breast and powdered milk in Tehran, Iran

Aim and backgroundAflatoxins, produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, are among the most toxic mycotoxins. Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is a hydroxylated metabolite of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), found in milk and dairy products from animals fed AFB1-contaminated feed. Consumption of AFM1 has related adverse effects on human health. Breast milk can be a source of contamination for infants due to the presence of AFM. AFM1 can also contaminate powdered milk, a significant product of the milk industry. Consequently, monitoring dairy products for these toxins is imperative. Study methodA total of 50 samples (25 samples of breast milk and 25 samples of powdered infant milk formula) were collected in Tehran from December 2021 to February 2022. HPLC method was used for the determination of AFM1 in samples. Resultsand Discussion: AFM1 was detected in 72% of breast milk samples and 96% of powdered milk samples. AFM1 levels varied significantly between the two sample types (p < 0.05). The average amount of AFM1 in breast milk samples was 25.82 ± 4.72 ng/kg, while the average amount in powdered milk samples was 40.59 ± 7.76 ng/kg. Moreover, 44% of the breast and 68% of powdered milk samples exceeded the AFM1 content limit of the European Union and the Iranian national standard. This study concludes that given the importance of breast milk and formula to maternal and infant health, monitoring and regulating the toxin levels in these products in Tehran is crucial.