A survey on the occurrence of aflatoxin M1 in raw milk samples in Bafq and Bahabad, Iran

Aflatoxins are a group of mycotoxins mostly produced by the fungi called Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus parasiticus, and Aspergillus nomium. Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is the major metabolite of aflatoxin B1 and is a hepatotoxic and carcinogenic toxin. The aim of this study was to determine the level of contamination of cow's milk with aflatoxin M1 in Bafq and Bahabad. For this study, samples of raw cow's milk were collected randomly from milk collection centers around the city of Bafq and Bahabad from March to April. The determination of aflatoxin M1 levels was based on the ELISA method. Contamination was observed in 100% of milk samples. According to the results of the study, the rate of contamination with aflatoxin M1 in 43.3% of milk samples was above the acceptable level (50 ng/L) in Iranian national standard. It is concluded that further monitoring of milk production should be carried out in the spring and winter seasons.