Aflatoxin M₁ in milk and dairy products: global occurrence and potential decontamination strategies

Abstract

Aflatoxin M₁ (AFM₁) is a hepatocarcinogenic compound found in milk from lactating individuals receiving diets contaminated with aflatoxin B₁. Considering the AFM₁ resistance to conventional processing methods applied to milk products, novel approaches have been proposed to efficiently decontaminate AFM₁. This review focuses on recent occurrence data of AFM₁ and the physical, chemical and biological methods for decontamination of AFM₁, in milk and dairy products. Occasionally, high AFM₁ occurrence levels have been reported, mainly in African countries. Adsorption through nonviable microorganisms and clay materials are the most effective, promising approaches for decontamination of AFM₁ from milk and dairy products.

Keywords:

• AFM1
• occurrence
• milk products
• decontamination
• degradation
• adsorption

Acknowledgements

The authors are very thankful for Higher Education Commission, Pakistan to support the study under 5000 Indigenous PhD fellowship program. This review is the part of PhD studies of Mr. Khurram Muaz under the supervision of Dr. Muhammad Riaz at Institute of Food Science and Nutrition, Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan-Pakistan.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest relevant to this study.