Investigation of Aflatoxin M1 Residue in Raw Cow Milk Samples in Burdur

Abstract

This study was implemented to research the aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) level due to the economic losses and public health concerns resulting from the presence of aflatoxin in food. A total of 82 raw cow milk samples were randomly obtained from dairy farms in Burdur and they were examined in terms of AFM1 using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. It was found that the AFM1 level was between 5.06 and 50.63 ng kg-1 in 48 (58.5%) of 82 raw cow milk samples analysed and the average contamination rate was 15.53 ±10.35 ng kg-1. In 1 (1.2%) of the milk samples, AFM1 level was found to be over the legal limits specified by Turkish Food Codex and European Union’s Regulation. As a result, the AFM1 level determined in the raw milk samples was below the maximum residue limits and was suitable for human consumption. In addition, the estimated daily intake (EDI) of AFM1 was determined for the adult consumer in Turkey. The average EDI (0.19 ng kg-1 body weight day-1) of the adult consumer was found to be close to the proposed value of tolerable daily intake (0.2 ng kg-1 body weight day-1 ) for AFM1. However, it is recommended to repeat the studies on this subject within a regular program and inform both the producers and the consumers about the issue.