Exposure Assessment of Aflatoxin M1 Through Ingestion of Infant Formula in Türkiye

Abstract

The objectives of the study were to determine the aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) content in ınfant formula samples in Türkiye and to assess the risk of infants’ exposure to aflatoxins food contamination. A total number of 72 samples of infant formulas (premature, hipoallergenic, 0-6, 6-9,9-12 and 12-36 months) were analyzed for the presence of AFM1 using the Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. 49% of the samples (35 samples) were contaminated with AFM1 and the group most highly contaminated with AFM1 was infant formulas 12-36 (8 samples) months. In addition, this study aimed at evaluating AFM1 levels especially above international (European Commission) (0.025 µg/kg) and local (Türkiye Food Codex Regulation) (0.025 µg/kg) standards and cancer risks associated with the ingestion of infant formula sampled from Türkiye. Five samples of infant formula had AFM1 concentration above maximum allowable concentration according to the standards. Risk assessments of AFM1 for infants ranged between 0.002- 0.035 ng/kg bw/day and >100.000–5263.15 respectively for Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), and Margin of Exposure (MOE). The riskiest group was determined in the 9-12 months samples. Results of our study indicate the high risk of infants’ exposure, who are at the early stage of development and vulnerable to toxic contaminants.

Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in Capoeta tinca fish and health risk assessment

“…The fish muscles are mainly consumed by the human population as food. Therefore, In this study used fish muscles for evaluating the human health risk through an estimated daily intake (EDI) of metals and target hazard quotients (THQ) [15].…”

Estimated daily intake and health risk assessment of toxic elements in infant formulas

“…Cow and goat milks, which are important components of most infant formulas (10) , can contain toxic heavy metals due to the foods and water consumed by animals and/or exposure to environmental pollution. Additional sources of impurities include water, utensils, containers and equipment used in the manufacturing, packaging and storage of infant formula (11) .…”

“…Infants are particularly susceptible to toxicity because of lower body weight, rapid growth, immature kidneys, immature liver and reduced capacity for detoxification during the first year of life (8,9) . Cow and goat milks, which are important components of most infant formulas (10) , can contain toxic heavy metals due to the foods and water consumed by animals and/or exposure to environmental pollution. Additional sources of impurities include water, utensils, containers and equipment used in the manufacturing, packaging and storage of infant formula (11) .…”