Presence of aflatoxin M1 in raw, reconstituted, and powdered milk samples collected in Algeria
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Date
2015
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Springer
Abstract
Aflatoxins are potent toxic metabolites produced
by Aspergillus spp. Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is a
metabolite of aflatoxin B1 that can be present in milk,
and it is a public health concern. There is scarce information
on the incidence of aflatoxin M1 contamination
in milk consumed in Algeria. The presence of AFM1
was investigated in raw milk samples collected between
February and October 2011 from 11 dairy farms representative
of Algerian production conditions and that
were located around Constantine city. Reconstituted
and powdered milk samples were purchased from local
supermarkets. The analysis was performed by liquid
chromatography-fluorescence detection after immunoaffinity
purification. AFM1 was detected in 5 out of 47
samples (11 %) at levels ranging from 9 to 103 ng/L,
with one sample exceeding the limit of 50 ng/L set by
European regulations. Traces of AFM1 (less than 8 ng/
L) were also found in 11 other samples. The incidence of
AFM1 contamination was higher in imported powdered
milk (29 %) than in raw milk (5 %). Although the
concentration of AFM1 in contaminated samples was
low, the relatively considerable prevalence found in this
exploratory study justifies more detailed and continuous
monitoring to reduce consumers’ exposure to AFM1.
Description
Keywords
AflatoxinM1, Algerian traditional dairies, Milk products, Milk safety