The Incidence of Aflatoxin M1 in Milk Produced in a Regional Surveillance System Between 2013 and 2017
Abstract
Aflatoxins are toxic metabolites, generally produced by Aspergillus flavus, A. parasiticus and A. Nomius. They can have immunosuppressive, mutagenic, teratogenic and carcinogenic effects, especially on the liver. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the frequency of AFM1 contamination in milk in an established surveillance area of Romania, during 2013-2017 period. The material was represented by 150 raw milk samples obtained from milk collecting units and breeding units in Cluj county. The samples were analyzed by ELISA method. Measurable levels of AFM1 were present in 28% of the milk samples examined. The level of AFM1 in the positive samples ranged between 0,010 and 0,089 μg/kg. Of the total samples, only two were found non-compliant with the EU regulatory limit (0.05 μg/kg). All the positive samples were detected in 2013. In the 2014-2017 period, the level of aflatoxin M1 in milk was undetectable. The contamination risk of AFM1 in milk may increase with feeds being stored in improper conditions of humidity and temperature. This risk can be significantly reduced by using aflatoxin uncontaminated feeds.
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