A study on contamination of aflatoxin M1 in raw milk in the Punjab province of Pakistan

Raw milk samples from fourteen districts of the Punjab province, Pakistan, were analyzed for the contamination of aflatoxin M-1. The analysis was carried out by using immunoaffinity columns and Fluorometer. All of the samples analyzed were found contaminated with aflatoxin M, (AFM(1)). However, the level of aflatoxin M I in 96.4% samples was below the US tolerance limit of 0.5 mu g/L. Only 3% samples showed AFM(1) concentration higher than the US maximum limit. The 99.4% samples exceeded the European Union limit, i.e. 0.05 mu g/L. Seasonal effect was also studied on the presence of AFM(1) concentration in milk. The data were analyzed statistically by applying ANOVA. The results urge the need to impose a maximum permissible limit for AFM(1) levels in milk and milk products in Pakistan. This study, which is the first one of its nature on aflatoxin M, in Pakistan, suggests a regular monitoring of AFM(1) in milk and milk products in the country. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.