Determination of Aflatoxin M1 in Raw Milk from Different Provinces of Ecuador

Area of Science:

• Food Safety
• Mycotoxicology
• Public Health

Background:

• Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is a carcinogenic and hepatotoxic mycotoxin produced by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus.
• AFM1 contamination in milk is a global food safety concern, necessitating regional assessments.
• Ecuador's north-central region accounts for a significant portion of national milk production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence and concentration of Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in raw milk from key Ecuadorian provinces.
• To compare AFM1 levels against established European Union and Ecuadorian regulatory limits.
• To identify factors influencing AFM1 contamination, including season, climate, and production systems.

Main Methods:

• Collection of 209 raw milk samples from Pichincha, Manabí, and Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas provinces in 2019.
• Analysis of AFM1 concentrations using lateral flow immunochromatographic assays.
• Statistical analysis using non-parametric tests to evaluate differences based on various factors.

Main Results:

• 100% of analyzed raw milk samples tested positive for AFM1, with a mean concentration of 0.0774 μg/kg.
• 59.3% of samples exceeded the EU limit (0.05 μg/kg), while only 1.9% exceeded the Ecuadorian limit (0.5 μg/kg).
• Significant differences in AFM1 levels were observed between provinces, months, seasons (higher in dry season), and climatic regions (higher in coastal areas).

Conclusions:

• Current AFM1 levels in Ecuadorian raw milk do not pose an immediate public health crisis based on national limits.
• The high exceedance rate of EU limits highlights potential risks and the need for stricter monitoring.
• Implementation of a national monitoring and surveillance program for AFM1 in milk is recommended to ensure consumer safety.