The risks associated with aflatoxins M1 occurrence in Lebanese dairy products

Aflatoxins are potent carcinogens, teratogens and mutagens. When lactating ruminants are fed feedstuffs contaminated with aflatoxins B1 (AFB1), this mycotoxin gets hydroxylated to aflatoxins M1 (AFM1) and appears in excreted milk. Tolerance limits for aflatoxins in dairy products have been establish...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Food control 2014-03, Vol.37, p.68-72
Main Authors: Hassan, Hussein F., Kassaify, Zeina
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
AFM1
Biological and medical sciences
Cheese
ELISA
Food industries
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
General aspects
Hygiene and safety
Lebanon
Milk
Mycotoxins
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Summary:Aflatoxins are potent carcinogens, teratogens and mutagens. When lactating ruminants are fed feedstuffs contaminated with aflatoxins B1 (AFB1), this mycotoxin gets hydroxylated to aflatoxins M1 (AFM1) and appears in excreted milk. Tolerance limits for aflatoxins in dairy products have been established internationally. In Lebanon, there are scarce published data on the level of AFM1 in dairy products and none on the consumer exposure to this toxin. A total of 524 samples of milk and dairy products characterized by their distinct processing methods have been collected from the Bekaa region of Lebanon. Samples were analyzed for their AFM1 content using competitive ELISA (RIDASCREEN r-biopharm test kit). The exposure level of the Lebanese population to AFM1 was also assessed through food frequency questionnaires. Besides, factors affecting the level of AFM1, such as milk source, pasteurization, seasonal and processing effects, were studied. Results showed a significant (p 
ISSN:0956-7135
1873-7129
DOI:10.1016/j.foodcont.2013.08.022