Aflatoxin M

Area of Science:

• Food Safety
• Mycotoxicology
• Dairy Science

Background:

• Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is a toxic metabolite found in milk, posing a risk to consumer health.
• Previous studies in Southern Italy reported higher AFM1 levels in retail milk, necessitating updated assessments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence and levels of AFM1 in raw and heat-treated milk from cows, sheep, and donkeys in Western Sicily.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of current dairy farming practices in controlling AFM1 contamination.

Main Methods:

• Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for initial AFM1 screening.
• High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection confirmed positive ELISA results.
• Milk samples were collected directly from farms between 2013 and 2016.

Main Results:

• AFM1 was detected in 12.9% of cow milk and 5% of sheep milk samples; donkey milk was negative.
• Most positive samples had AFM1 levels below the EU maximum limit (0.05 μg/kg).
• Only two sheep milk samples slightly exceeded the EU limit; 6% of all samples were positive.

Conclusions:

• Milk samples collected directly from farms in Southern Italy show significantly lower AFM1 contamination than previously reported.
• Improvements in animal feeding techniques on dairy farms are likely contributing to reduced AFM1 levels.
• These findings suggest enhanced consumer protection regarding AFM1 in the regional dairy supply.