Aflatoxins in Milk and Dairy Products: Occurrence and Exposure Assessment for the Serbian Population

Featured Application The present study assesses the exposure of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) intake based on the consumption of milk and dairy products by adult consumers in Serbia. It presents one of the pillars in quantitative measurement of health risks associated with aflatoxins. Results may be used by various stakeholders in the dairy chain continuum to assist in making decisions or recommendations, and when risk mitigation strategies are required. The main objective of this study was to assess the exposure associated with aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) of the adult population in Serbia from consumption of milk and dairy products. This assessment was performed using concentration values of AFM1 in raw milk (385 samples) and dairy products (556 samples) based on the analyses conducted in the period between 2015 and 2018. In parallel, a dairy products consumption survey was completed during 2018 based on 'one-day' and 'seven-day' recall methods. In order to estimate the intake of AFM1 from the consumption of dairy products for both recall methods, a Monte Carlo simulation was conducted. The study revealed that pasteurized milk and yogurt are dairy products mostly consumed by the Serbian adult population. Estimated daily intake of AFM1 was in the range of 62-74 x 10(-3) ng/kg bw/day, depending on the recall methods and scenarios employed. Although the results show moderate exposure risks compared to similar studies worldwide, climatic conditions and weather extremes that have occurred recently may have negatively influenced the contamination of feed and, consequently, AFM1 contamination of milk. As a result, it is justifiable to promote continuous monitoring in feed and dairy supply chains in Serbia and provide an update of exposure assessment.