Determination of Aflatoxin M₁ and Heavy Metals in Infant Formula Milk Brands Available in Pakistani Markets

Abstract

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) after its bioconversion from aflatoxin B1 in animal liver becomes the part of milk while heavy metals get entry into milk and milk products during handling in the supply chain. Aflatoxin M1 and heavy metals being toxic compounds are needed to be monitored continuously to avoid any ailments among consumers of foods contaminated with such toxicants. Thirteen commercially available infant formula milk (IFM) brands available in Pakistani markets were analyzed for the quantitative determination of AFM1 and heavy metals through ELISA and atomic absorption spectrophotometer, respectively. AFM1 was found positive in 53.84% samples while 30.76% samples were found exceeding the maximum EU limit i.e. 0.025 μg/kg for AFM1 in IFM. Heavy metals lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) were found below the detection limits in any of the sample, whereas the concentrations of iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and nickel (Ni) ranged between 45.40-97.10, 29.72-113.50 and <0.001-50.90 μg/kg, respectively. The concentration of Fe in all the tested brands was found in normal ranges while the concentrations of Zn and Ni were found exceeding the standard norms. Elevated levels of AFM1, Zn and Ni in some of the tested IFM brands indicated that a diet completely based on these IFM brands might pose sever health implications in the most vulnerable community i.e., infants.

Aflatoxin M1 Determination in Infant Formulae Distributed in Monterrey, Mexico

“…In this case, all the detected samples were below the EU established limit. More recently, Akhtar et al [21] determined the AFM 1 presence in infant formulae in Pakistan, evaluating 13 samples, in which 53.84% of the samples were positive to the toxin presence and 30.76% exceeded the EU limit. Kanungo and Bhand [22] evaluated the AFM 1 presence in infant formulae in India, determining that in 72 evaluated samples, all of them were above the EU permitted limit (25 ng/kg) and 75% of the samples exceeded the USA and Indian Food regulation limit (500 ng/kg).…”

Prevalence and Exposure Assessment of Aflatoxins Through Black Tea Consumption in the Multan City of Pakistan and the Impact of Tea Making Process on Aflatoxins

“…The current tea consumption in Pakistan is estimated to be around 172,911 tons, which is expected to reach 250,755 tons in 2027 (Hassan, 2018). Previously, aflatoxin contamination of various foodstuffs including cereals (Lutfullah and Hussain, 2012), chillies (Iqbal et al, 2010), milk and milk products (Iqbal and Asi, 2013), infant formulas (Akhtar et al, 2017), and poultry meat and eggs (Iqbal et al, 2014) have been reported from Pakistan indicating a suitable environment for the growth of fungus responsible for the production of aflatoxins.…”

Effect of Storage on the Level of Aflatoxin M1 in Milk and Other Dairy Products Sold at Tripoli Province, Libya

“…The samples from expired milk powder showed high concentration of AFM 1 . From this we interpreted that there was no risk to give milk powder to babies until it was expired but it would be very harmful to the babies if unknowing expired mild given to them, as AFM 1 work as an immunosuppressant and babies have weak immune system and are therefore more prone to the diseases (Akhtar et al, 2017).…”