Two-year survey of aflatoxin M1 in milk marketed in Albania, and human exposure assessment

• Published in: Food control 2022-06, Vol.136, p.108831, Article 108831
• Main Authors: Topi, Dritan, Spahiu, Jeton, Rexhepi, Agim, Marku, Nue
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aflatoxin M1; Human exposure; Mycotoxin; Pasteurized milk; UHT
• ISSN: 0956-7135; 1873-7129
• DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2022.108831

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), a metabolite of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), is detected in milk obtained from ruminants fed AFB1-contaminated feedstuff. Considering the potential risk of aflatoxin exposure for human health, the AFM1 content in milk and dairy products is regularly monitored. A survey on AFM1 contamination in milk from retail markets consumed in Albania was conducted in 2019–2020. A total of 119 cow milk samples, subjected to pasteurization and ultra-high temperature (UHT) treatment, were collected, and the AFM1 content was analyzed using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. AFM1 was detected in 62 of the 119 milk samples (52.10%). AFM1 contamination in pasteurized milk was higher than that in UHT milk samples (59.68% and 43.86%, respectively). Although the mean AFM1 concentration for the analyzed samples was 0.022 μg kg−1, the maximum AFM1 content of 0.217 μg kg−1 was found in milk samples collected in the autumn of 2019. Seven milk samples (5.88%) contained AFM1 at levels exceeding the European Union maximum residue permitted level. Overall, milk samples from 2019 had greater AFM1 contamination (81.36%) than those from 2020 (23.33%). The Human Exposure Assessment revealed that the Average Daily Dose (ADD) for adults was 0.082–0.096 ng kg−1 body weight (bw)/day. Also, the ADD was considerably higher in 2019 than in 2020 with no significant difference between the seasons. •UHT and pasteurized milk samples from the retail market, Albania, were analyzed for AFM1 presence•5.88% of the analyzed milk samples exceeded the EU MRL.•AFM1 incidence in pasteurized milk was higher than in UHT milk samples, 59.68%, and 43.86%, respectively.•The maximum AFM1 concentration was found at 0.217 μg kg−1.•The Average Daily Dose in adults was found at 0.082–0.096 ng kg−1 bw/day.