Occurrence of aflatoxin M₁ and exposure assessment in Catalonia (Spain)
German Cano-Sancho1, Sonia Marin, Antonio J Ramos
1Food Technology Department, University of Lleida, XaRTA-UTPV, Lleida, Spain.
Background:
Aflatoxin M₁ (AFM₁) is the main monohydroxylated derivative of aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) formed in liver and excreted into milk. Although AFM₁ is less toxic than AFB₁, it has been classified as a possible human carcinogen, Group 2B agent by International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
Objectives:
The objectives of this study were (i) to determine the occurrence of AFM₁ in the main dairy products consumed in Catalonia region (Spain), and (ii) to assess the exposure of Catalonian population to aflatoxin M₁ through deterministic and probabilistic method.
Methods:
Occurrence of Aflatoxin M₁ (AFM₁) was determined in 72 composites of milk, 72 composites of cheese and 72 composites of yoghurt from Catalonia. AFM₁ content was analysed using an Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay commercial kit. Three approaches to exposure assessment were conducted: one deterministic method and two probabilistic models with Monte Carlo simulations.
Results:
AFM₁ was detected in 94.4% (68/72) of whole UHT milk samples, in 2.8% (2/72) of yoghurt samples and not detected in cheese. The maximum level was detected in one yoghurt sample with 51.58 ng/kg, only this sample being over the legal EU limit of 50 ng/kg. Milk, cheese and yoghurt mean concentrations were 9.29±2.61, <12.5 and 13.22±4.82 ng/kg, respectively.
Conclusions:
According to these values, it should be expected Catalonian population is not exposed to a significant risk from aflatoxin M₁ including average and high consumers.
Insights
Aflatoxin M₁ (AFM₁) was found in most dairy products in Catalonia, but at levels unlikely to pose a significant health risk to consumers. This study assessed AFM₁ occurrence and exposure in the region.
Area of Science:
- Food safety and toxicology
- Mycotoxin analysis
- Public health risk assessment
Background:
- Aflatoxin M₁ (AFM₁), a derivative of aflatoxin B₁, is a possible human carcinogen (IARC Group 2B).
- AFM₁ is found in milk and dairy products, posing a potential dietary risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of AFM₁ in major dairy products in Catalonia, Spain.
- To evaluate population exposure to AFM₁ using deterministic and probabilistic methods.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 72 milk, 72 cheese, and 72 yogurt composites from Catalonia using ELISA.
- Exposure assessment conducted via one deterministic and two probabilistic (Monte Carlo) models.
Main Results:
- AFM₁ detected in 94.4% of milk, 2.8% of yogurt, and not in cheese.
- One yogurt sample exceeded the EU legal limit (50 ng/kg) with 51.58 ng/kg.
- Mean AFM₁ concentrations: 9.29±2.61 ng/kg (milk), <12.5 ng/kg (cheese), 13.22±4.82 ng/kg (yogurt).
Conclusions:
- The Catalonian population is unlikely to face significant health risks from AFM₁ exposure via dairy products.
- Dietary intake of AFM₁ from milk, cheese, and yogurt is generally below concerning levels.
