Aflatoxin M1 in Pasteurized Milk and White Cheese in Ahvaz, Iran

Abstract

6 Abstract: In the present study, 121 dairy product samples consisting of pasteurized milk (60 samples) and white cheese (61 samples), collected from retail markets during August 2010 to September 2011 in Ahvaz, Iran, were examined for AFM1 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Analytical results showed that 61 (50.4%) samples were contaminated with AFM1 ranging from 11 to 209 ng/l and consisted of 24 (40%) pasteurized milk samples (range: 11-94 ng/l and mean±SD: 34.7±19.9 ng/l) and 37 (60.7%) white cheese samples (range: 32-209 ng/l and mean±SD: 103.6±54.1 ng/l). Considering the US FDA and Iranian national standard limits for AFM1 in milk (500 ng/l), any of samples had levels above the maximum tolerance limit. However, the concentration level of AFM1 in 3 (5%) samples of pasteurized milk was higher than European Commission limit (50 ng/l). No significant differences in the concentration of AFM1 were observed for pasteurized milk samples taken in different seasons in Ahvaz; however, significantly higher concentration of AFM1 (P < 0.05) were found in white cheese samples taken in cold seasons. Although the concentration of AFM1 in none of the examined samples exceeded the Iran regulation, but by attention to high consumption and significance of milk and its products in Iranian dietary, survey and control of milk and its products continuously for measuring of AFM1 has high significance.