Presence of aflatoxin M1 in milk for human consumption in Argentina

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) appears in milk or dairy products as a direct result of the ingestion of food contaminated with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) by cattle. The exposure of infants to AFM1 is something to worry about because milk is a main nutrient for children. Our aim is to carry out a study to determine the contamination degree of milk in our region during winter. Samples were collected in a period March-September (winter milk). In all cases, AFM1 levels were lower than the limits recommended for dairy products. However, as AFM1 is considered a probable human carcinogen (2B type), it is necessary to maintain control. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.