A seasonal study for determination of aflatoxin M1 level in dairy products in Iranshahr, Iran

Abstract

Background and Purpose :Aflatoxin M1, in milk and dairy products, is classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as human carcinogens (class 2B). The aim of this study was to evaluate aflatoxin M1 contamination level in dairy products from Iranshahr city, Iran, using ELISA technique. Materials and Methods:In our study, 87 samples of milk, white cheese, yoghurt, and butter were collected in different seasons and after preparation, were analyzed by ELISA technique.Results:The contamination level of aflatoxin M1 in pasteurized milk (n=40) yoghurt (n=15), white cheese (n=6), and butter (n=10) samples were determined to be 81.6%, 83.3%, 60%, and 100%, respectively. However, in 8.1% of the pasteurized milk samples, aflatoxin M1 concentration was above the legal accepted limit (>50 ng). The level of aflatoxin M1 was significantly higher in winter compared to summer (P<0.05). In addition, the concentration of aflatoxin M1 was higher in urban regions than rural ones (P<0.05).Conclusion:The results of this study emphasized the importance of seasonal and regional effects on aflatoxin M1 contamination of dairy products.

Presence of Aflatoxin M1 in Cube Cheeses Produced in Sivas Region

“…In studies conducted in various countries, the levels of AFM1 were determined in different types of cheeses between 0.6-6920 ng/kg. In this study, the level of AFM1 determined in cube cheeses was similar to the findings of some researchers (Sohrabi and Gharahkoli, 2016;Tahoun et al, 2017), but was found lower than many other research results (Table 2).…”

Occurrence of Aflatoxin M1 in cow milk in El Salvador: Results from a two-year survey

“…In addition, repeatability such as reproducibility were found to be within the range of values recommended for AFM 1 and AFs [ 26 ]. In the case of the values for AFM 1 , those were also similar to the average recovery and accuracy obtained in other works [ 8 , 16 ].…”

“…Seasonal variations in the occurrence and in the average levels of AFM 1 described in other similar studies are shown in Table 4 . As it can be seen in this list, five reports describe an increasing trend in both AFM1 prevalence and mean contents during the northern winter or in the dry season of the tropics [ 2 , 6 , 15 , 16 , 32 ], when cattle are mostly fed with possibly contaminated feedstuffs and silages. Conversely, same studies also describe a decreasing trend that can be observed in both the occurrence and mean levels of AFM 1 [ 2 , 6 , 15 , 16 , 32 ], when enough pasture is available to feed livestock, just during northern spring and summer or in the rainy season of tropical zones ( Table 4 ).…”

“…Usually, the values increase during the winter or in the dry season of the tropics, precisely when cattle are fed with possibly contaminated feedstuffs and silages. On the contrary, a decrease in occurrence and levels of AFM 1 is observed just during spring and summer or in the rainy season of tropical or subtropical zones, when enough pasture is available to feed livestock [ 2 , 5 , 6 , 15 , 16 ].…”

Aflatoxin M1 in Nicaraguan and locally made hard white cheeses marketed in El Salvador

“…Concerning the fluctuations described in the prevalence of hard white cheese contamination of both origins, several studies provide evidence about the seasonal variation of AFM 1 in milk and its derivatives [ 17 , 24 , 25 , 27 , 40 ]. It has been described that prolonged events or conditions of shortage of rain or drought and high temperatures are associated with increases in AFM 1 contamination in dairy products or in their raw material [ 15 , [22] , [23] , [24] , 41 ].…”