A Study on the Presence of Aflatoxin M۱ in Cow’s Milk in Jiroft

Background and Aims: Cow's milk is a daily staple food for many individuals that can be contaminated with many toxins such as aflatoxin M۱ (AFM۱). AFM۱ is a chemical form of the aflatoxin B۱ produced by some species of Aspergillus genus like A. ochraceus, A. flavus, A. nomius, and A. parasiticus that can contaminate feed and forage cattle. This toxin enters into the milk after eating contaminated feed by cows. AFM۱ can cause various dangerous diseases such as cancer and immune deficiency in humans. The present study is aimed to investigate the level of AFM۱ in cow's milk in Jiroft, Kerman Province, Iran. Materials and Methods: A total of ۹۰ cow’s milk samples were collected in spring and summer ۲۰۱۹ from available stores in Jiroft city. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure AFM۱ in all cow’s milk samples. Results: In the present study, AFM۱ was found in ۸۸ (۹۷.۸%) milk samples with a range of ۰.۲-۹۰.۶۲ ppt (mean, ۲۰.۰۷±۲۴.۴۶ ppt). AFM۱ concentrations exceeded ۵۰ ppt (maximum tolerance level of AFM۱ in the European Union) was seen in ۱۲ (۱۳.۳%) samples. Conclusions: The results of this study showed the presence of AFM۱ in cow's milk in Jiroft city. So, in this region, many people are exposed to dangerous diseases such as cancer due to the consumption of milk contaminated with AFM۱.

Keywords:

Aflatoxin M۱ , Fungi , Milk , Toxin