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Occurrence and risk characterization of aflatoxin M1 in milk samples from southeastern Iran using the margin of
Ali Ghaffarian-Bahraman1, Salman Mohammadi2, Ali Dini3
1Occupational Environment Research Center Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences Rafsanjan Iran.
Abstract:
This study aimed to investigate Aflatoxin-M1 (AFM1) contamination in pasteurized and raw milk samples consumed in Kerman and Rafsanjan in southeastern Iran. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 100 samples of raw (n = 67) and pasteurized (n = 33) milk were randomly collected from retail stores, supermarkets, and milk transport tankers in the winter of 2020 and the summer of 2021. The level of AFM1 contamination in the collected samples was evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FD). AFM1 was detected in 95% of samples and its median concentration was 17.38 ng/L. The median concentration of AFM1 in the pasteurized milk samples (24.89 ng/L) was significantly higher than in the raw milk samples (13.54 ng/L). The AFM1 contamination level in 20% (raw = 13% and pasteurized = 7%) of the samples was higher than the maximum permitted level (MPL) recommended by the European Union (i.e., 50 ng/L), whilst 4% (raw = 3% and pasteurized = 1%) of the samples was higher than the Iranian maximum standard limit (i.e., 100 ng/L). The hazard index (HI) was higher than 1 in 16%, 18%, and 35% of total milk samples for men, women, and children, respectively. The AFM1 contamination level in the milk samples collected in southeastern Iran was worrying. The margin of exposure (MoE) values were lower than 10,000 for children. Because aflatoxins are among the most potent carcinogens known, prevention of milk contamination in all stages from the farm to the table can considerably reduce the community's exposure to AFM1 and its consequent health risks.
Insights
Aflatoxin-M1 (AFM1) contamination is widespread in Iranian milk, exceeding safety limits in 20% of samples. This poses a significant health risk, particularly for children, necessitating improved contamination control from farm to table.
Area of Science:
- Food Science
- Toxicology
- Public Health
Background:
- Aflatoxin-M1 (AFM1) is a toxic metabolite found in milk, posing health risks.
- Milk is a primary dietary component for all age groups, making its safety crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence and levels of AFM1 contamination in raw and pasteurized milk in southeastern Iran.
- To evaluate the potential health risks associated with AFM1 exposure through milk consumption.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 100 milk samples (67 raw, 33 pasteurized) collected from Kerman and Rafsanjan.
- AFM1 quantification using high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FD).
Main Results:
- AFM1 detected in 95% of samples, with a median concentration of 17.38 ng/L.
- Pasteurized milk showed higher median AFM1 levels (24.89 ng/L) than raw milk (13.54 ng/L).
- Contamination exceeded EU and Iranian limits in 20% and 4% of samples, respectively; hazard index exceeded 1 for 35% of children.
Conclusions:
- Milk contamination with AFM1 in southeastern Iran is a significant public health concern.
- Children are at a higher risk due to lower margin of exposure.
- Implementing contamination prevention strategies throughout the milk supply chain is essential to mitigate health risks.
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