Determination of aflatoxin M1 levels in raw milk samples using ELISA and high-performance liquid chromatography in Qazvin, Iran

Use of raw milk and dairy products containing aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) has led to concern inconsumers. The present study determined the AFM1 in raw cow's milk in Qazvinprovince. In this research, 170 raw cow's milk were collected from dairy farm, dairyfactories, milk collection centers, and milk supply centers in Qazvin province during coldseasons in 2013, and all samples were examined for AFM1. The samples were analyzedwith a commercial competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit andhigh-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). AFM1 contamination was observed inall milk samples. Fifty-seven milk samples (33.52%) had a contamination of AFM1,higher than the threshold level of The Institute of Standards and Industrial Research ofIran (0.5 ng/ml), whereas in 113 milk samples (66.48%), concentration of AFM1 was lessthan the limits permitted. The mean concentration of AFM1 in dairy farm was 0.215ng/ml, in dairy factories 0.268 ng/ml, in milk collection centers 0.734 ng/ml, and in milksupply centers 0.409 ng/ml. Because of high levels of contamination observed in samples,regular monitoring of contamination in milk samples and controlling most contaminatingcauses are necessary.