Composition and occurrence of aflatoxin M1 in cow's milk samples from Razavi Khorasan Province, Iran

The composition and occurrence of aflatoxin M-1 (AFM(1)) were investigated in 60 samples of cow's raw milk samples from Razavi Khorasan Province of Iran. Only percentages of milk samples protein, lactose and total solids in samples collected during summer were slightly lower than the Iranian reference values. Compared with summer samples, higher percentages of milk samples components were observed in the winter. The overall mean AFM(1) level was 61 +/- 8 ng/L, with 24 samples (40%) showing concentrations above the maximum permitted level established in Iran (50 ng/L). Control measures are urgently needed to avoid aflatoxin in milk samples produced in Razavi Khorasan Province.