Aflatoxin M1 contamination in commercial pasteurized milk from local markets in Fariman, Iran

Contamination of milk and dairy products with aflatoxin M₁ (AFM₁) presents a risk for human health. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of AFM₁ in pasteurized milk samples in Fariman, located in the province of Khorasan Razavi, Iran, by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Forty-five samples of pasteurized milk from different supermarkets were collected during 3 months in summer (July to September, 2012). AFM₁ contamination was detected in all of milk samples. The mean concentration of aflatoxin M₁ was 27.2 ng/l. The range of AFM₁ content was 8.8–64 ng/l. Thirteen (28.8 %) of the samples had AFM₁ levels exceeding the maximum levels (50 ng/l) accepted by the European Union. Due to the fact that milk is used by all the age groups including infants and children in Fariman city, it is necessary to minimize the health risk from AFM1 contamination in milk. For this reason, the level of its precursor, aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁), in dairy feeds must be reduced, requiring constant aflatoxin monitoring of relevant agricultural commodities.