Aflatoxin m1 levels in milk and some dairy products in Alexandria City

Abstract EN

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is the major mycotoxin frequently found in milk and dairy products.

AFM1 is a carcinogenic metabolite often found in dairy products.

The present study was carried out to evaluate the occurrence of AFM1 in milk and some dairy products in Alexandria city.

A total number of 150 samples, 30 each of Raw milk, Kareish cheese, Damietta cheese, Ras cheese and Yoghurt were randomly purchased from supermarkets in Alexandria city from January to August 2013 for determination of AFM1 by using direct competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results showed that the mean concentration values of AFM1 was detected in 40 % of the analyzed milk samples with levels ranging from 8.30 to 85.00 ng / kg, AFM1 was detected in 46, 53 and 56 % of examined Kareish cheese, Damietta cheese and Ras cheese samples with levels ranging from 6.20 to 70.26, 16.50 to 133.2 and 7.40 to 111.50 ng / kg, respectively.

While, results showed that AFM1 was detected in 26 % of analyzed yoghurt samples with level ranging from 11.40 to 98.80 ng / kg.

All positive samples of raw milk, cheeses and yoghurt are exceeding Egyptian regulations (1990), while all of them are within the US regulations (Stoloff et al., 1991).

While 71, 75, 88 %, of positive samples in kareish cheese, Damietta cheese and Ras cheese samples, respectively were exceeding the European Commission Regulation (Codex Alimentarius Commission, 2001).

Also 58 % of positive raw milk samples and 63 % of positive examined yoghurt samples were exceeding the European Commission regulation.

It was concluded that widespread occurrence of AFM1 in raw milk and some dairy products samples were considered to be possible hazards for public health especially children.