An improved semi-quantitative method for the estimation of aflatoxin M1 in liquid milk.

All methods for the estimation of aflatoxin M~ in milk involve extraction with organic solvents. In some methods, fresh milk or reconstituted powder is shaken with a suitable extractant so as to precipitate proteins and extract the toxin simultaneously, while in others a separate protein precipitant is used. In no method is protein precipitation complete, however, and at the extraction stage there is always a risk of emulsion formation. When this happens the analysis can become very prolonged and the recoveries poor. The present modification to the method of Roberts & Allcroft (1968) eliminates this risk, reduces the working time for the analysis and increases its overall sensitivity.