The Level of Aflatoxin M1 in Raw and Pasteurized Milk Produced in Alborz Province, Iran

Abstract

Background: Aflatoxins are a group of very toxic compounds produced by a fungal species and are found in food products. Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is a type found in dairy products and resistant to pasteurization. AFM1 can adversely affect hepatocytes in human and leading to various liver diseases. Thus, it is essential to examine raw milk for the presence of AFM1. Objectives: The current study aimed to evaluate the levels of AFM1 in raw and pasteurized milk produced in Alborz province, Iran. Materials and Methods: Ninety seven samples of raw milk and 20 samples of pasteurized milk were collected from milk collecting centers and different supermarkets, respectively. Samples were analyzed to determine AFM1 level by immunoaffinity column chromatography, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using a C18 column with fluorescence detector. Mobile phase was water-acetonitrile-methanol (6:2:2 V/V/V) at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/minute. Results: AFM1 was detected in all samples with various concentration levels ranging from 0.0024 to 0.231 µg/kg, the mean concentration = 0.027 ± 0.018 µg/kg. Conclusions: According to the results of the current study, 9.27% of the raw milk and 5% of the pasteurized milk samples had higher levels of AFM1 than the maximum recommended limit (0.05 µg/kg) by food and agriculture organization (FAO).