The Effect of Lactobacillus Strains on Aflatoxin M1 Residues in Dairy Products: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Aflatoxin M1 or milk toxin has been detected in many parts of the world both in raw milk and dairy products. It has been shown that the lactic acid bacteria especially Lactobacillus spp. reduce aflatoxin M1 levels in dairy products. Methods: We performed a systematic review to evaluate the effects of Lactobacillus strains on aflatoxin M1 residues. So a systematic literature search by using certain keywords was carried out in three bibliographic databases on aflatoxin M1 binding ability of Lactobacillus species in milk and dairy products. After the initial screening of the titles and abstracts, the related articles to our work were retrieved and the full text of the studies, which probably included the required data were obtained. The eligible articles were selected based on the inclusion criteria mentioned in the methodology. Results: In general, Lactobacillus spp. was shown to have a potential application to decrease the aflatoxin M1 levels in milk and dairy products from less than 10% to up to 99%. Also, this systematic review revealed that the reducing effect of Lactobacillus spp. on aflatoxin M1 residues was dependent on several factors including fermentation, incubation and storage time, bacterial population, type and viability of bacteria, and concentration of aflatoxin. Conclusion: Application of Lactobacillus strains in production of the dairy products from contaminated milk can be a very effective way to reduce aflatoxin M1 level in these products.

Keywords

• lactobacillus
• aflatoxin m1
• dairy products