Determination of Aflatoxin M1 and Heavy Metals in Infant Formula Milk Brands Available in Pakistani Markets

Aflatoxin M-1 (AFM(1)) after its bioconversion from aflatoxin B-1 in animal hirer becomes the part of milk while heavy metals get entry into milk and milk products during handling in the supply chain. Aflatoxin M-1 and heavy metals being toxic compounds are needed to be monitored continuously to avoid any ailments among consumers of foods contaminated with such toxicants. Thirteen commercially available infant formula milk (IFM) brands available in Pakistani markets were analyzed for the quantitative determination of AFM, and heavy metals through ELISA and atomic absorption spectrophotometer, respectively. AFM(1) was found positive in 53.84% samples while 30.76% samples were found exceeding the maximum EU limit i.e. 0.025 mu g/kg for AFM(1) in IFM. Heavy metals lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) were found below the detection limits in any of the sample, whereas the concentrations of iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and nickel (Ni) ranged between 45.40-97.10, 29.72-113.50 and <0.001-50.90 mu g/kg, respectively. The concentration of Fe in all the tested brands was found in normal ranges while the concentrations of Zn and Ni were found exceeding the standard norms. Elevated levels of AFM(1), Zn and Ni in some of the tested IFM brands indicated that a diet completely based on these IFM brands might pose sever health implications in the most vulnerable community i.e., infants.