A seasonal study for determination of aflatoxin M۱ level in dairy products in Iranshahr, Iran

Background and Purpose :Aflatoxin M۱, in milk and dairy products, is classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as human carcinogens (class ۲B). The aim of this study was to evaluate aflatoxin M۱ contamination level in dairy products from Iranshahr city, Iran, using ELISA technique. Materials and Methods: In our study, ۸۷ samples of milk, white cheese, yoghurt, and butter were collected in different seasons and after preparation, were analyzed by ELISA technique. Results: The contamination level of aflatoxin M۱ in pasteurized milk (n=۴۰) yoghurt (n=۱۵), white cheese (n=۶), and butter (n=۱۰) samples were determined to be ۸۱.۶%, ۸۳.۳%, ۶۰%, and ۱۰۰%, respectively. However, in ۸.۱% of the pasteurized milk samples, aflatoxin M۱ concentration was above the legal accepted limit (>۵۰ ng). The level of aflatoxin M۱ was significantly higher in winter compared to summer (p <۰.۰۵). In addition, the concentration of aflatoxin M۱ was higher in urban regions than rural ones (p <۰.۰۵). Conclusion: The results of this study emphasized the importance of seasonal and regional effects on aflatoxin M۱ contamination of dairy products.

Keywords:

Aflatoxin M۱ , Aspergillus , Dairy product , ELISA