Aflatoxin M1 in Brazilian goat milk and health risk assessment

Contamination of goat milk with aflatoxin M-1 (AFM(1)) is a public health concern. This study investigated filamentous fungi in goat feed and quantified AFM(1) in milk samples (n = 108) from goat fed forage and concentrate. Based on the detected AFM(1) concentration, risk assessment analyses were performed concerning the Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) for one-year-old children and adults. Filamentous fungi were found in goat feed samples in a range of 3.1 +/- 1.9 to 4.2 +/- 0.2 log CFU/g. Five genera were identified, to cite Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium, Rhizopus and Acremonium. Aspergillus species comprised A. flavus, A. niger, and A. ochraceus. All goat milk samples were contaminated with AFM(1) (5.60-48.20 ng/L; mean 21.90 +/- 10.28 ng/L) in amounts below the limits imposed by regulatory agencies. However, EDI values for AFM(1) through goat milk estimated for one-year-old children were above the Tolerable Daily Intake. The calculated Hazard Index for one-year-old children indicated potential risk of liver cancer due to goat milk consumption. The Margin of Exposure values to AFM(1) in one-year-old children and adults consuming goat milk as the unique milk source indicated increased health risk. Therefore, contamination of goat milk with AFM(1) should be considered a high priority for Brazil's risk management actions.

Automated summary

This study investigated filamentous fungi in goat feed and quantified AFM(1) in milk samples. While all milk samples were contaminated with AFM(1) below regulatory limits, the estimated intake for one-year-old children exceeded safe levels and indicated potential health risks. The findings suggest a high priority for Brazil's risk management actions regarding contamination of goat milk with AFM(1).