Detection of aflatoxin M1 in raw and imported powdered milk Sold in Khartoum State, Sudan

Abstract

Aflatoxins are toxic fungal metabolites found in foods and feeds. When ruminants take Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) - contaminated feedstuffs, they metabolize the toxin and excrete AFM1 in milk. The aim of the study was to determine the level of contamination of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in raw and imported powdered milk in Khartoum State, Sudan. Thirty five cattle milk samples were collected from different farms, selected on the base of type of concentrated feed introduced to the dairy cows and size of the farm. Twelve samples of powdered milk were obtained from repackaging companies in Khartoum State. The samples were analyzed by Flurometer, using Vicam method. The presence of AFM1 contamination was detected in all raw and powdered milk samples. Almost 50% of contaminated powdered milk samples and all the raw milk samples (100%) exceeded the European Communities/ Codex Alimentarius recommended limits (0.05μg/kg), while 33% of contaminated powdered milk samples and 77% of the raw milk samples exceeded the prescribed limits of US regulations (0.5μg/kg). There were significant (P<0.05) differences between the concentrations of AFM1of raw milk and powdered milk samples. The result revealed that the concentration of aflatoxin M1 is affected by the source of concentrated feed (locally produced or commercial). The size of farm (more or less than 50 cows) did not influence the aflatoxin M1 concentration. It was, therefore, concluded that high occurrence of AFM1 in milk samples might constitute a possible hazard for human health. The levels of aflatoxin M1 in total samples indicated that the feed for cows were contaminated with aflatoxin B1 in such a level that appears to be a serious public problem. Therefore, there is a need to limit Please purchase PDFcamp Printer on http://www.verypdf.com/ to remove this watermark. iv exposure to aflatoxin by imposing regulatory limits. Further studies are needed on large scale bases to investigate the AFM1 and other mycotoxins in milk and dairy products.