Incidence of aflatoxin M1 in human and animal milk in Jordan
1Department of Nutrition and Food Processing, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Al-Balqa Applied University, Salt, Amman, Jordan. sharaf@bau.edu.jo
Abstract:
This study was undertaken to determine the presence of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in animal milk. In addition, exposure of infants to aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) and lactating mothers to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) was examined using AFM1 in breast milk as a biomarker for exposure to AFB1. In total, 100 samples of fresh animal milk and fermented milk (buttermilk) and 80 samples of human breast milk were collected during the period 2011-2012. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for the analysis of milk samples. AFM1 was detected in all animal fresh and fermented milk samples. The concentrations of AFM1 in 70 samples of fresh and fermented milk were higher than the maximum tolerance limit accepted by the European Union and the United States of 50 ng/kg. In human milk samples the average concentration of AFM1 was higher than the maximum tolerance limit accepted by the European Union and the United States of 25 ng/kg. Logistic regression analysis failed to show a correlation between AFM1 and type and amount of dairy consumption, vegetables, fruits, and meat. However, an association between AFM1 and cereal consumption was detected. This study is the first to report on the occurrence of AFM1 in milk consumed by the Jordanian population.
Insights
Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) contamination was found in all Jordanian animal milk samples, with many exceeding EU/US limits. Human breast milk also showed high AFM1 levels, indicating potential infant exposure to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1).
Area of Science:
- Food Safety
- Toxicology
- Public Health
Background:
- Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is a metabolite of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), a common food contaminant.
- AFM1 can be transferred from animal feed to milk and subsequently to human consumers.
- Assessing AFM1 levels in milk is crucial for evaluating public health risks, especially for vulnerable populations like infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and levels of AFM1 in animal milk (fresh and fermented) and human breast milk in Jordan.
- To evaluate infant exposure to AFM1 and lactating mothers' exposure to AFB1 using AFM1 in breast milk as a biomarker.
- To investigate potential dietary risk factors associated with AFM1 contamination.
Main Methods:
- Collection of 100 animal milk samples (fresh and fermented) and 80 human breast milk samples (2011-2012).
- Analysis of milk samples using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA).
- Statistical analysis, including logistic regression, to identify correlations with dietary factors.
Main Results:
- AFM1 was detected in 100% of all analyzed animal milk samples.
- 70% of animal milk samples exceeded the EU/US maximum tolerance limits (50 ng/kg).
- Human breast milk samples showed average AFM1 concentrations exceeding the EU/US limit (25 ng/kg), suggesting AFB1 exposure in mothers.
Conclusions:
- This study is the first to report AFM1 occurrence in milk consumed by the Jordanian population.
- High levels of AFM1 in animal and human milk pose a significant food safety concern in Jordan.
- Cereal consumption was associated with AFM1 levels, highlighting a potential dietary source of exposure.
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