Presence Of Aflatoxin M1 Research Articles

Aptamer-Based Fluorescence Quenching Approach for Detection of Aflatoxin M1 in Milk.

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), one of the most toxic mycotoxins, is a feed and food contaminant of global concern. In this study, we developed a fast and simple method for detection of AFM1 based on a structure-switching signaling aptamer. This aptasensor is based on the change in fluorescence signal due to formation of an AFM1/aptamer complex. To generate the aptasensor, the specific aptamer was modified with FAM (carboxyfluorescein), and their complementary DNAs (cDNA) were modified with a carboxytetramethylrhodamine (TAMRA) quenching group. In the absence of AFM1, the aptamers were hybridized with cDNA, resulting in quenching of the aptamer fluorescence due to the proximity of the aptamer’s fluorophore to the quenching group on the cDNA. On the other hand, in the presence of AFM1, a structural switch in the aptamer was induced by formation of an AFM1/aptamer complex. Changes in the structure of the aptamer led to the release of the cDNA, causing the generation of a fluorescence signal. Thus, AFM1 concentrations could be quantitatively monitored based on the changes in fluorescences. Under optimized conditions, this assay exhibited a linear response to AFM1 in the range of 1–100 ng/mL and a limit of detection of 0.5 ng/mL was calculated. This proposed aptasensor was applied to milk samples spiked with a dilution series of AFM1, yielding satisfactory recoveries from 93.4 to 101.3%. These results demonstrated that this detection technique could be useful for high-throughput and quantitative determination of mycotoxin levels in milk and dairy products.

Risk factors associated with mastitis and raw milk quality in small farms of Texcoco, México

Objective: to determine the nutritional and physicochemical quality, and the presenceof aflatoxins in raw milk, as well as risk factors for developing mastitis in 20 family farmsin the region of Texcoco, Mexico.Methods: MilkoSCan FT1 was used for nutritional and physicochemical analysis ofmilk. Somatic cells were quantified and the cow’s health status was tested usingSomaticell; furthermore, the presence of Aflatoxin M1 was determined using lateral flowimmunochromatography.Results: the milk evaluated in this study reported normal nutritional values according toNMX-F-700-COFOCALEC-2012, which guarantees its quality for human consumption.The pH ranged from 5.0 to 8.4, which indicates deficient temperature control in somefarms, leading to problems with acidity. The logistical analysis showed that adequateudder cleaning during milking is important to avoid it being a risk factor for an increasein somatic cells and degree of mastitis, although not the milking technique or teatsealing. The presence of aflatoxin AFM1 was not reported in raw milk.Study implications: the Somaticell® technique renders a qualitative and efficientdiagnosis of clinical mastitis. Conclusions: raw milk quality from this region guarantees consumers with a safe andapt product for human consumption or transformation into dairy byproducts.

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

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.

English

Aflatoxins are the main mycotoxin related to the contamination of Brazil nut and an important product extracted from the Amazon region that has a high number of consumers due to its health benefits. Considering the frequent occurrence of aflatoxins in Brazil nuts, it is necessary to study the levels of exposure to these toxins associated with its consumption using biomarkers. To do this, a study was carried out with 30 volunteers of both sexes, where each volunteer received a kit containing Brazil nuts for the ingestion of 2 (two) units / day for 30 days. Urine samples were collected from each volunteer at 0 and 30 days, and the level of Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) was determined by ELISA using the Helica Kit®. A questionnaire was used to obtain information on weight, height, age, medication use, pathological conditions, frequency of weekly consumption of certain foods more susceptible to aflatoxin contamination, and 24-h food recall. Of the 30 samples analyzed at time 0 (zero) for exposure, AFM1 presented positive results in 3 (10%) samples with a range of 2.75-70.41 ng/mL. In the analysis of the 30 days after Brazil nut consumption, the presence of AFM1 in the urine was not detected, suggesting that Brazil nut consumption did not generate impact on the urinary levels and exposure to AFM1. In conclusion, no association was found between food consumption of food susceptible to aflatoxin contamination and concentration of AFM1 in urine. Key words: Aflatoxin, nuts, ELISA, selenium.

Potential risk factors associated with the occurrence of aflatoxin M1 in raw milk produced under different farm conditions

The present study was carried out with the objectives to determine the occurrence of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in raw milk and identification of associated risk factors from three different types of animal farming systems. A total of 189 pooled raw milk samples were tested for AFM1 with enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) as screening and high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD) as confirmatory techniques. AFM1 was found positive in 58% pooled milk samples with the mean level of 0.917 µg/L, while 50.8% and 36.5% samples were found above the legal limits set by European Commission (EC) and Food safety and standard authority of India (FSSAI), respectively for AFM1 in milk. Among all investigated risk factors, feeding of readymade concentrate feed and leftover household cereals, longer feed storage duration and feed storage quality were found significantly associated with presence of AFM1 in farm milk. High prevalence as well as levels of AFM1 in farm milk poses a health risk to the consumers especially children. Therefore, efforts are urgently required to create awareness among dairy farmers about aflatoxins contamination of feed and milk, to improve farm management practices and to control AFM1 level in milk below the legal limits.

Occurrence of and Factors Associated With the Presence of Aflatoxin M1 in Breast Milk of Mothers in Fethiye, Turkey.

Aflatoxins comprise a group of mycotoxins that are found in the environment. Exposure to aflatoxins has been reported to cause serious health problems in humans. Since aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is secreted in breast milk, the exposure of infants to this toxin is an important concern. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, levels of, and factors associated with the presence of AFM1 in breast milk of mothers in Fethiye, Turkey. Breast milk samples were taken from 100 mothers who had given birth over the period of October-November 2017. The AFM1 content of the samples was determined via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The lowest limit for milk samples in the Ridascreen® AFM1 commercial test kit is 5 ng/L. Because of this, AFM1 levels below 5 ng/L in the breast milk samples were assessed as negative. Of the breast milk samples tested, 53 were positive. The average AFM1 amount in the positive samples was 6.36 ng/L (ppt; range 5.10-8.31 ng/L). Mothers who were housewives, lived in damp, humid houses, or ate spices or dried fruits and vegetables had significantly greater prevalence of AFM1 in their breast milk than those who were employed, did not report dampness or mold in the home, or did not eat spices or dried fruits and vegetables. AFM1 in breast milk could be an important risk factor for infant health. Informing the public about food safety could reduce the amount of AFM1 being transferred into breast milk via food channels.

Evaluation of Aflatoxin M1 enrichment factor in different cow milk cheese hardness category.

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is a hepatocarcinogenic and genotoxic derivative of aflatoxin B1 excreted into milk after ingestion of feed contaminated by Aspergillus genus fungi. Because of the important role of dairy products, especially cow cheese, in the human diet, there is great concern about the presence of AFM1 in this food category. EC Regulation No. 1881/2006 establishes the importance of the enrichment factor (EF), an essential parameter that must be defined in order to evaluate the maximum level of the toxin in cheese aiming to ensure that cheese has been produced from compliant milk. The Italian Ministry of Health has established two provisional AFM1 EFs (5.5 and 3.0) to be applied to as many cheese categories (hard and soft), defined according to the moisture content on a fat free basis (MFFB) classification. Two experimental productions of Primosale and Fior di Latte cheese, both belonging to the soft cheese category, showed an EF of 4.1 and 2.9 respectively. Data in literature also suggest that the EF attribution based on the current categorization may need reconsideration.

Presence of Aflatoxin M1 in Cube Cheeses Produced in Sivas Region

In this study, the presence and residue levels of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) were investigated in traditionally produced cube cheeses in Sivas and its region. For this purpose, 90 pieces of cube cheese were used as a material. Cheese samples were collected periodically in November and December 2016 from central sales location and surrounding villages. ELISA technique was applied in aflatoxin analyses. According to the analysis results, AFM1 was detected in total of the cube cheeses. The lowest level of AFM1 was found to be 2.16 ng/kg, the highest was 53.94 ng/kg and the mean was 6.36±0.87 ng/kg. AFM1 level vas determined one cheese sample above to the limit set by European Union.

Aflatoxinas en alimentos y leche de vacas de 18 establecimientos comerciales de las regiones centro-sur y este de Uruguay

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by toxicogenic fungi species. They can contaminate humans and animals’ food and once ingested can cause health harms. There are more than 250 mycotoxins, being aflatoxins one of the most studied due to their potential carcinogenic effect. It is known that the aflatoxins consumed by animals are metabolized and excreted in part by milk as aflatoxin M1 , representing a potential risk for human health. Aflatoxins source for animals is feed, therefore, the maximum permitted levels are regulated, as well as the presence of aflatoxin M1 in milk and derivatives. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the natural presence of aflatoxins in the feeds destined to dairy cows in production in 18 commercial dairy farms of Uruguay. It also aimed to determine the correlation between the consumption of those feeds and the presence of aflatoxin M1 in the milk of the animals. In order to achieve this objective, feed and milk samples were taken randomly from 18 dairy farms located in the south central area and the east region of Uruguay. Milk was taken from the cold tank. Aflatoxins were quantified by Elisa technique. The totally of the feed samples and 91.8% of the milk samples were contaminated with some aflatoxin levels. The levels of aflatoxins did not correlate with those of aflatoxin M1 . The levels of aflatoxin M1 in milk did not exceed the maximum consumption levels allowed in Uruguay, thus did not represent a risk for human health.

Probiotic bacteria and yeasts adsorb aflatoxin M1 in milk and degrade it to less toxic AFM1-metabolites

The presence of contaminants such as aflatoxins (AFs) in dairy products constitutes a serious risk to the health of consumers, especially children who are most sensitive to the adverse effects of AFs. The presence of Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in milk is a public health problem since dairy products are massively consumed worldwide. The aim of the present work was to select microorganisms capable of reducing AFM1 entry into the food chain through adsorption/degradation strategies. Moreover, the toxicity of AFM1 degradation products was evaluated. All tested strains had the capacity to adsorb 19%–61% AFM1 in milk. These strains also had the ability to degrade AFM1 into metabolites less toxic than the original toxin. Moreover, this is the first study to report harmless and probiotic Pediococcus pentosaceus and Kluveromyces marxianus have the ability to adsorb and degrade AFM1 to less toxic metabolites in milk.

Usefulness of the analytical control of aflatoxins in feedstuffs for dairy cows for the prevention of aflatoxin M1 in milk.

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is a hydroxylated metabolite of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and can be excreted in milk of cows after consuming aflatoxin (AF)-contaminated feed. The aim of this research was to assess the levels of total AFs in samples of feedingstuff for dairy cows (n = 193) and the levels of AFM1 in raw bulk tank milk samples (n = 375), in order to estimate the ratio of "AFB1 feed input" versus "AFM1 milk output" in four specific regions of Spain. Moreover, the correlation between the raw materials used as ingredients of the total mixed ration (TMR) and the presence of AFs was studied. About one-third (34.7%) of the feed samples were positive for total AFs in a range of 0.05-6.45μg/kg, and 12.4% were positive for AFB1. AFM1 was detected in 18.9% of bulk milk samples, with concentrations ranging from 0.009 to 1.36μg/kg. While none of the feed samples exceeded the European Union (EU) maximum content for AFB1 in feedingstuff for dairy animals of 5μg/kg, three bulk milk samples exceeded the EU maximum level for AFM1 in milk of 50ng/kg. The transfer ratio AFB1/AFM1, which was derived from AFB1 levels in feed, AFM1 levels in bulk tank milk, feed intake, and milk yield data, was 0.6-6%, which corresponded well with the range of published carry-over data for aflatoxins. Statistical analyses showed that the main sources of AFB1 in TMR were maize silage, bagasse, soya bean husk, maize, alfalfa hay, cotton seed and compound feed, thus special attention should be paid in controlling these raw materials when used in TMR preparation. Although the analysis of AFs in feed did not correlate with the presence of AFM1 in milk, monitoring feedstuffs is a useful tool in order to try and minimise AF-contamination of milk.

Determination of Aflatoxin M1 in Pasteurized Liquid and Powdered Milk Products Imported to Iran

Background: Mycotoxins are the secondary metabolites of molds and have adverse effects on humans, animals, and crops, resulting in illnesses and economic losses. Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is a hepatocarcinogen found in the milk from animals that have consumed feeds contaminated with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). Milk is a highly nutritious food and is a source of necessary macro- and micro-nutrients for the growth, development and maintenance of human health. Methods: The presence of AFM1 was investigated in 70 samples of imported pasteurized and powdered milk products available to the Iranian consumers. The level of AFM1 was determined by HPLC method equipped with immunoaffinity cleanup. Results: The results showed that 32% of the analyzed samples were positive for AFM1 at 0.05-3.31 μg/kg. Also, 16% of analyzed samples were positive for AFM1at concentrations higher than the limit permitted by the Iranian standards. Conclusion: The detection of AFM1 contamination in the analyzed samples indicates the importance of the health of animal feeds. Thus, monitoring the imported feed materials, especially those arriving at Iranian borders is crucial in the prevention of AFM1 and AFB1 contaminations spreading across the domestic market.

Occurrence and seasonality of aflatoxin M1 in milk in two different climate zones.

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is a mycotoxin found in milk as a result of the ingestion of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) by dairy cattle. Because of its carcinogenic properties, the control of its occurrence in dairy products is of great importance. We evaluated the occurrence and seasonality of AFM1 in milk from farms with subtropical and temperate climates, where significant milk production occurs. Forty samples of raw milk were collected from bulk tansk milk during the summer (five samples from a subtropical climate and 14 from a temperate climate) and winter (six samples from a subtropical climate and 15 from a temperate climate) months of 2017 and conducted an analysis using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (detection limit 5 ng L-1 ). Data from eight random samples were compared with respect to liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry detection and ELISA. A significant correlation was observed. The presence of AFM1 was detected in 87.50% (n = 35) of the samples analyzed (a mean of 16.66 ng L-1 and a median of 12.42 ng L-1 in positive samples); however, its concentration in all samples was below the maximum limit allowed by European (50 ng L-1 ) and Brazilian (500 ng L-1 ) legislations. There were no significant differences in the levels of AFM1 between the properties located in the two climate zones, in both summer and winter. The estimated daily intake of AFM1 based on the milk analyzed was 0.0107 ng kg-1 day-1 for adolescents, 0.0072 ng kg-1 day-1 for adults and 0.0098 ng kg-1 day-1 for the elderly. The present work demonstrated a low exposure to AFM1. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Determination of Aflatoxin M1 and Ochratoxin A in Raw, Pasteurized and UHT Milk in Turkey

Background: Mycotoxins produced by yeast and fungi have toxic effects on human and animal health. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is the most toxic hepatocarcinogen to mammals. Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), which has been found in milk and dairy products, is the hydroxylated metabolite of AFB1. Aflatoxin M1 is formed by the cytochrome P450 enzyme in the liver. Ochratoxin A (OTA) is synthesized by Aspergillus and Penicillium species. Ochratoxin A is known to cause teratogenic, immunotoxic, nephrotoxic and carcinogenic effects. Due to the potential harmful effects on human and animal health, OTA has also been receiving increased attention globally; however, there is limited information on the presence of OTA in milk and dairy products. The aim of this study was to determine how mycotoxins impact the hygienic quality of raw and heat-processed milk.Materials, Methods & Results: In this study, a total of 105 milk samples were analyzed (35 raw, 35 pasteurized and 35 UHT) to identify AFM1 and OTA in raw, pasteurized and ultra-high temperature processing (UHT) milk. The levels of AFM1 were detected by using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The milk samples were centrifugedin order to remove the fat content from the milk. After centrifugation, the upper cream layer was withdrawn with a pipette. The non-fat liquid portion was placed in wells at 100 μL for analysis. The concentration of AFM1 in the milk samples was analyzed by AFM1 test kit.The milk samples with AFM1 levels greater than 50 ng/L were confirmed by using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). An Ochratoxin A Serum / Milk ELISA test kit was used for the analyses of OTA. The analyses were made according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and samples were analyzed in duplicate. The absorbance value of milk samples was obtained from the ELISA plate reader at 450 nm. The mean value of AFM1 was found to be 19.54 ng/L in the milk samples. According to the European Commission (EC), the maximum limit for AFM1 in milk is 50 ng/L. In our study, eight (7.61%) of the 105 samples exceeded this limit. The mean value of OTA was found to be 119 ng/L in the milk samples. The relationship between milk type and levels of AFM1 was found to be significant at (P < 0.01). The mean value of AFM1 in pasteurized milk was found statistically significant and lower than raw milk (P < 0.05). The difference between levels of OTA and milk type was not statistically significant at (P > 0.05).Discussion: Milk is a great protein source especially for children in the age of growth. Yeasts such as Fusarium, Aspergillus and Penicillium produce mycotoxins that cause food, feed contamination. Owing to carcinogenic, mutagenic and teratogenic effects of AFM1, presence of AFM1 in milk samples may adversely affect human health. The presence of AFM1 in different contamination levels can be observed in milk and milk products. Factors such as ration type, climate conditions, feed storage conditions, feeding regime and health status of dairy animals may be effective in the occurrence of these contamination. It is necessary to establish legal limits by conducting effective research on the existence of OTA in animal-derived products. The existence of mycotoxins in milk and dairy products can be reduced by preventing the contamination of feed materials with yeast and molds used in the feeding of dairy cows. Milk is one of the most important protein source for the human, effective hygienic controls should be applied to prevent microbiological and chemical hazards. Our data suggest that heat-treated milk may also be dangerous to human health, mycotoxins contamination should be controled with monitoring programs routinely in milk and feed materials for food safety. Determination of Aflatoxin M1 and Ochratoxin A in Raw, Pasteurized and UHT Milk in Turkey

Rapid detection of aflatoxin M1 residues in market milk in Aswan Province, Egypt and effect of probiotics on its residues concentration.

Objective:The objectives of our study were to determine the presence of Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in market milk in Aswan province, Egypt and studying the effect of addition of some strains of probiotics microorganisms on AFM1 level in milk.Materials and Methods:Between July and October 2018, 90 market milk samples (15 Ultra Heat Treated (UHT), 75 raw) were collected from different dairy shops in Aswan City, Egypt to be examined for AFM1 presence by rapid strip test and the results were confirmed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).Results:The results revealed that all UHT milk samples were negative, while 37 (49%) raw milk samples were positive for AFM1 residues. All 37 positive milk samples were examined by HPLC to determine the level of AFM1. The results showed that the level of AFM1 ranged between 0.053 and 0.207 with mean ± SE of 0.1003 ± 0.008 ppb. Some probiotics strains were used to determine their effect on AFM1 by milk fermentation; the result showed that the probiotics have significant effect on the reduction of AFM1 level in milk (p < 0.05). Also, Public health importance of AFM1 was discussed.Conclusion:Presence of AFM1 in 49% of examined raw milk samples indicate widespread occurrence of AFM1 in market milk in Aswan province, Egypt which considered possible hazards for consumers, while the absence of AFM1 from UHT milk indicates that type of milk is safer. So, regular monitoring of AFM1 in market milk is necessary for evaluating their contamination status. Mixed starter culture of Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus could be used as a biological agent for the reduction of AFM1 in milk.

A FRET-based dual-color evanescent wave optical fiberaptasensor for simultaneous fluorometric determination of aflatoxin M1 and ochratoxin A.

A dual-color fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) based aptasensor is described for simultaneous determination of the mycotoxins aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) and ochratoxin A (OTA). Aptamers against AFM1 and OTA were labeled with two fluorophores with different excitation wavelengths (Cy5.5; 675nm; and Alexa 405; 401nm), respectively. They were used as the signalling probes. A compact dual-color evanescent wave all-fiber detection system with two lasers (635nm; red; and 405nm; purple) was used for the simultaneous collection of two-wavelength fluorescence signals. The hybridization of labeled aptamers with complementary sequences (Q-cDNA) labeled with adarkquencher (BHQ3or dabcyl)causes fluorescence to be strongly reduced because of the fluorescence resonance energy transfer. In the presence of AFM1 and OTA, they bind to their respective aptamer and result in the dissociation of double stranded DNA, which induce fluorescence recovery. Under the optimum conditions, AFM1 and OTA can simultaneously and selectively be determined ranged from 1ng·L-1 to 1mg·L-1. The detection limits of AFM1 and OTA are 21 and 330ng·L-1, respectively (S/N = 3). The FRET-based dual-color detection scheme was applied to the simultaneous detection of AFM1 and OTA in milk with good recovery, precision, and accuracy. Graphical abstract Aptamers against AFM1 and OTA were labeled with two fluorophores with different excitation wavelengths (Cy5.5; 675nm; and Alexa 405; 401nm) and then used assignalling probes. A FRET-based aptasensor is described for simultaneous determination of AFM1 and OTA using dual-color evanescent wave system with two lasers (635nm; red; and 405nm).

Aflatoxin M1 in fresh dairy milk from small individual farms in Indonesia

&lt;p&gt;This present study was aimed to investigate the presence of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) residue in fresh dairy milk collected from small dairyl farms. A total of 104 samples of fresh cow's milk were collected in Pengalengan-Bandung and Sukabumi (West Java province), and Tanggamus (Lampung province) in April and September 2012. All samples were analyzed by a high performance liquid chromatography and detected with fluorescence detector after extraction with organic solvents. Contamination of AFM1 was found on 1.96% (1/51) from the samples collected in April 2012 at concentration of 1.20 ng/L and 39.63% (21/53) from the samples collected in September 2012 at concentration of 1.20 ng/L 1.0 – 34.1 ng/L. Those positive samples were obtained from Pangalengan and Sukabumi, but none for those samples collected from Tanggamus both on collection time April nor September 2012. In those positive samples for AFM1, there is no sample contained AFM1 above the maximum level (ML) regulated in Indonesia (500 ng/L or 0.5 µg/L). Low contamination levels of AFB1 in the range of 0.38 to 6.64 µg/kg found in supplemental feed samples from the same sampling time and locations. The findings of AFM1 contamination in raw fresh milk from this study caused no harm to the consumers. However, regular monitoring on the presence of AFM1 in dairy milk and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in dairy cattle feed is necessary to ensure the protection of human health.&lt;/p&gt;

Co-occurrence of mycotoxins in commercial formula milk and cereal-based baby food on the Qatar market

ABSTRACTThe present study was conducted to explore the occurrence of mycotoxins in commercial baby foods in Doha-Qatar. LCMS/MS- and HPLC-based analysis of baby food (n = 67) for 12 mycotoxins confirmed the presence of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1, 33%), ochratoxin A (OTA, 31%), deoxynivalenol (DON, 27%), aflatoxin B1 (AFB1, 22%), fumonisin B2 (FB2, 10%), zearalenone (ZEN, 4%) and T-2 toxin (2%). Noodles exhibited the maximum contamination percentage, with 33% of the samples being contaminated above the EU maximum limits, for at least one mycotoxin. Among the multi-grain flake samples, up to 28% and for the milk and milk-based-cereal samples, 14% contained at least one mycotoxin above the EU maximum limits. From all cereal-based food samples, 22%, 5%, 2% and 2% were concurrently contaminated with 2, 3, 4 and 5 mycotoxins, respectively. The occurrence of toxicological important mycotoxins in Qatari market warrants the implementation of strict regulatory limits to protect human health.

A New Trial in Egypt to Detoxify AFM1 in UHT Milk by Lactobacilli and their Bacteriocins

Milk is the primary source of human nutrition because of the fact that it contains appreciable amounts of macro and micro nutrients especially for infants and elders. Therefore, the presence of Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in milk is of extreme concern for researchers all around the globe. So an intensifying interest has obviously noticed during the last years towards the production of milk and dairy products containing lactic acid bacteria that had antimycotic and antimycotoxigenic activity, which offer health benefits for the consumers. Application of heat killed Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus acidophilus and their bacteriocin in UHT skimmed milk spiked with 5, 10 and 20 ng/ml AFM1. The result revealed that spiked milk with Lactobacillus rhamnosus bacteriocin had the highest percentage of AFM1 reduction among other groups as reduction % reached to 77.3± 6.67% while spiked milk with heat killed Lactobacillus rhamnosus pellet has the lowest percentage of AFM1 reduction as reduction % reach to 14.3± 3.48 %.

Occurrence and dietary factors associated with the presence of aflatoxin B1 and M1 in breast milk of nursing mothers in Iran

Breast milk is recommended as the sole source of nutrition for the first 6 months of life and its purity is essential for the beginning of human life. Aflatoxins, a group of highly toxic metabolites, can be accumulated in breast milk as a result of maternal dietary exposure. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the occurrence, levels and dietary factors associated with the presence of aflatoxin B1 and aflatoxin M1 in breast milk samples collected from Kurdish lactating women in Iran.A total of 88 breast milk samples obtained from urban and rural areas were analyzed for the presence of aflatoxin B1 and M1 using Enzyme linked-immunosorbent assay method (ELISA). A Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire was used to determine the daily intake of foods, focused on more probable AFs contaminated foodstuffs.Aflatoxin B1 and aflatoxin M1 were detected in 93.2% and 100% of samples in the range of 10–80 and 0.1–13.6 ng/L respectively. There were no significant differences in the occurrence and levels of aflatoxins in breast milk samples between urban and rural regions (p > 0.05). The presence of aflatoxin B1 was significantly associated to consumption of bread and egg (p < 0.05) and the presence of aflatoxin M1 was associated to consumption of wheat flour and traditional Doogh (p < 0.05). The mean daily intake of aflatoxin B1 by mothers and infant was 0.61 and 3 ng/kg b.w./day, respectively which suggested, for the first time, that breast-fed infants in Kurdish areas in West Azarbaijan province, Iran, are exposed to significant levels of this toxin through mother's breast milk. However, the mean daily intake of aflatoxin M1 by infants (0.33 ng/kg b.w./day) was close to the calculated tolerable daily intake of 0.2 ng/kg b.w./day of AFM1.These findings highlight the high risk of infants’ exposure to aflatoxins and the necessity for developing strategies to reduce exposure to aflatoxins especially aflatoxin B1, involving interventions targeted at decreasing contamination of consumed foods.