Assessment of AflatoxinM1and Enteropathogenic Microorganism Levels in Milk Samples Vended in Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

Aflatoxin M 1 and enteropathogenic microorganism levels in milk samples vended in Cross River State were investigated. Thirty one milk samples were purchased from supermarkets and markets across the three (3) senatorial districts of Cross River State during August to November 2012. The milk samples were grouped into three (3) categories; A (Evaporated milk samples), B (Powdered milk samples), C (Infant milk formula). The milk samples were analyzed for aflatoxin M 1 (AFM 1) by competitive enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) while enteropathogens (Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Mould, Mesophilic Aerobic bacteria and Coliform) were cultured for microbiological sensitivity test using standard methods. Aflatoxin M 1 (AFM 1) was found in 100 percent of all the milk samples that were analyzed in this study. The contamination levels ranged from 0.06µg/l to 0.07µg/l, while the mean value was 0.07µg/l. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) between the mean concentrations of AFM 1 of the milk samples among the different categories. All the different milk samples (100%) exceeded the European Union maximum acceptable levels (0.05µg/l). None of the milk samples exceeded the Nigerian permissible limit (0.5µg/l). Salmonella, Escherichia Coli and Coliform bacteria were not detected in the milk samples. Aerobic Mesophilic bacteria and Mould were present in the milk samples but did not exceed the standard of 10 5 cfu/ml for aerobic mesophilic bacteria and 10 2 cfu/ml for mould. It is concluded that the milk samples vended in Cross River State contain aflatoxin M 1 and detectable enteropathogen levels which fall within Nigerian regulatory limits.

Aflatoxin M1 in Breast Milk, Cow Milk and Milk Products in Minna, Nigeria and their Predisposing Factors

“…Studies on natural exposure to AFM 1 in milk and milk product in Nigeria include; 14.2% and 85% breast milk contamination in South West Nigeria respectively [7][8][9], 100% prevalence of AFM 1 in fresh milk, fermented defatted skimmed milk (nono) and partially skimmed milk (kindirmo) from two dairy farm settlements in Bida, Northern Nigeria at mean concentrations of 0.665, 0.924, and 0.575 μg/L respectively [10], 100% vended milk contamination by AFM 1 (mean = 0.07 μg/L) in Cross River state, Southern Nigeria [11], Contamination of 7 brands (19 samples) of (100) powdered milk collected from Lagos, Southern Nigeria (mean= 0.02 -0.41(μg/kg)) [12], contamination of 25 milk powder samples (10 brands) imported, branded and sold in Nigerian Page 2 of 6 market with AFM 1 level ranging between 0.13 ± 0.01 -3.75 ± 0.01 ppb in all tested samples [13].…”