Aflatoxin M1 Contamination in Industrial and Traditional Yogurts Produced in Iran

Background: Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is a major carcinogenic compound that may be existed in milk and dairy products. This study was aimed to determine the presence of AFM1 in industrial and traditional yogurt samples produced in Iran. Methods: A total of 80 yogurt samples (40 industrial, 40 traditional) was collected from supermarkets in Yazd city, Iran. AFM1 content of the selected samples was determined by enzyme linked immunesorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Analysis of the data indicated that 96.25% of the yogurt samples were contaminated with AFM1 in concentration levels ranging from ˂5 to 91 ng/kg. The AFM1 content of 5% of the samples was higher than the limit accepted by European ::union:: (50 ng/kg). The mean concentration of AFM1 in traditional yogurt (33.6 ng/kg) was significantly (p<0.05) higher than industrial ones (24.55 ng/kg). Conclusion: High level of AFM1 contamination of yogurt produced in Iran could be a serious risk for the public health.