Exposure assessment on aflatoxin M1 from milk and dairy products-relation to public health

Abstract

Background-aim: Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) contaminates milk and dairy products that are widely consumed foods. Therefore, there is increased concern for human exposure to the toxic action and the negative health effects that AFM1 presents. The aim of this study was to assess the contamination levels with AFM1, of dairy products available in the Greek market (Thessaly), and also to estimate the relevant nutritional exposure. Methods: A total of 52 infant milk, 25 Feta cheese and 32 pasteurized milk samples were randomly selected from the market. The determination of AFM1 was based on indirect immunoenzymatic ELISA method with two analytical packages; namely Tecna (Italy) and Prognosis Biotech (Greece), for comparison purposes, strictly following the manufacturer's instructions. The estimated daily intake (EDI) of AFM1 through dairy consumption and the relevant hazard index (HI) were calculated. Results: The levels of AFM1, in all samples tested, were below the tolerable maximum level of 50 ng/L for milk and 25 ng/L for infant formulas (EC Regulation 1881/2006), while concentrations were very low (0.23–9.38 ng/L for infant formula, 0.54–4.09 ng/L for cheese and 0.20–17.84 ng/L for pasteurized milk). The exposure assessment revealed that infants, toddlers and children were the most exposed groups in AFM1 via milk and formula consumption (0.65, 0.35 and 0.35 respectively). The HI was also noticed higher in those ages, with the maximum value to reach 1.90. Though, for feta cheese the exposure was calculated as very low (EDI: 0.01 and HI: 0.05). Comparing the two analytical packages used, no statistically significant difference was found (p-value >0.05). Conclusions: Milk and dairy products tested were found safe for consumption, regarding the AFM1 levels. From a public health perspective, the results are satisfactory, given that the population exposure to AFM1, based on the nutrient profile, was rather limited. © 2021 European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism