Aflatoxin M1: Prevalence and decontamination strategies in milk and milk products

Abstract

Aflatoxin M₁ (AFM₁) in milk is among the most carcinogenic compounds, relatively high levels being consumed, especially by the most vulnerable age groups, i.e. infants and the elderly. Reports on its prevalence are constantly being received from various parts of the world compelling nations to establish their own standard limits for AFM₁. Global review of the literature indicates the existence of methods of partial decontamination of AFM_1, however; evidence based studies do not suggest that any single strategy as a coherent and complete solution to the issue. Microbial decontamination of AFM₁ has emerged as the most suitable method up to now but the stability of toxin-microbial cell complexes still remains questionable. This review discusses the chemical nature, established maximum permissible limits and prevalence of AFM₁ in various countries from 2009 to 2014. Moreover, the possible mechanisms for AFM₁ reduction mainly the microbial decontamination and the stability and bioaccessibility of microbial-AFM₁ complexes are also discussed.

• Bioaccessibility
• carcinogenic
• mechanism
• standard limits
• vulnerable

Acknowledgements

This review is a part of the PhD studies of Mr. Amir Ismail being carried out under the supervision of Dr Muhammad Riaz, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan. Higher Education Commission, Islamabad-Pakistan is highly acknowledged for providing a mammoth funding under the project number 1932 for the study.

Declaration of interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this paper.