Trakya University Journal of Natural Sciences (May 2017)
Determination of Aflatoxin M1 on Follow-on Milk by ELISA Method
Abstract
Milk, which is an important source of nutrition is used for infant feeding and consumed widely all over the world. Mycotoxins are one of the chemical contaminants that are known to pass through milk. They are produced by molds and pass through milk, and may cause health problems in infants. Determination of aflatoxin M1 levels in follow-on milks which is one of the most important nutrients for healthy grown babies is important in prevention of toxic effects of mycotoxins. Promoting social protection studies concerning aflatoxins as milk contaminants and raising awareness on follow-on milks is important in protection of public health. In our study, investigation of aflatoxin M1 in follow-on milks; a product that newborns take in their diet, and to evaluate the results in terms of public health. For this purpose, 60 follow-on milk samples with different serial numbers were collected from 7 companies. In Turkish Food Codex Communique related to the contaminations in food products with in accordance with the law no 2008/6 for preparation compliance as part of European Onion, indicated that the raw milk, UHT milk and other milks used for production of some products containing milk, maximum aflatoxin M1 should be 0.05 µg/kg (parts per billion). Aflatoxin M1 concentrations were determined by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Our results showed that 37 samples contained aflatoxin M1 with lt;0.05 parts per billion concentrations, while 23 samples contained aflatoxin M1 with gt;0.05 parts per billion concentrations. In conclusion, the latter 23 samples including aflatoxin M1 values above Turkish Food Codex limits are important in terms of public health.
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