Determination of Aflatoxin M1 in Pasteurized and Traditional Milk in Hamadan Province, Iran

Introduction: Milk is one of the most complete food products that is effective in reducing blood pressure and increasing its beneficial fats, preventing colon cancer and osteoporosis, and providing many nutrients, such as protein and calcium. Therefore, the contamination of this valuable foodstuff and its products is considered as a serious risk to the public health of the community. Aflatoxin is a dangerous fungal toxin that is produced in the presence of moisture and heat as well as lack of proper storage conditions; moreover, it is considered as a hazardous substance in human health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in raw milk, pasteurized and sterilized milk in food distribution centers of Hamadan province in 2016. Materials and Methods: In the present study, 586 traditional and pasteurized milk samples (446 pasteurized milk samples and 140 traditional milk samples) produced in Hamadan province in summer of 2016 were investigated for AFM1 using Quick AFM1 Strip Test Code ASTM1/96 kit. Results: AFM1 was not observed in 2% of traditional samples and 6.7% of pasteurized specimens. In this study, 37.85% of traditional milk, 56.3% of pasteurized samples had AFM1 less than 50 ppt. Moreover, 12.5% of traditional milk and 1.5% of pasteurized samples had AFM1 more than 50 ppt, which was higher than Iran standard limitation. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate the presence of AFM1 toxin contamination in traditional and pasteurized milks of Hamedan province. Further investigation and monitoring is needed in Hamedan province.