A survey on aflatoxin M1 contamination in pasteurized milk samples in Tabriz, Iran (Short Communication)

Aflatoxin, as one of the most potent carcinogen, is considered an important threat for public health, and it is not possible planning for reducing aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) levels in milk and milk products without paying great attention to the exposure to these compounds. This survey aimed to investigate the occurrence of AFM1 in pasteurized milk samples produced in Tabriz, Iran. Seventy-four milk samples produced by eleven different factories were collected from local market during six months in fall and winter 2015. AFM1 was analyzed by Enzyme-Linked Immune Sorbent Assay (ELISA). Based on results, 82% of the samples were contaminated with AFM1 in concentration levels ranged 5 to 80 ng/l. In 9 samples (12.16%) the AFM1 level was higher than 50 ng/l, the maximum residue limit (MRL) accepted by Codex and European Union for AFM1 in milk. The difference of AFM1 level between dairy factories was statistically significant (p