The review of aflatoxin M₁ contamination in milk and dairy products produced in Iran

Abstract

Due to their nutritional value, dairy products are popular in Iran. However, several reports have demonstrated that aflatoxin M₁ (AFM₁) contamination of milk and dairy products are challenging for human health, especially children. This manuscript is a review of some reports about the occurrence of AFM₁ in Iranian dairy products published between 2005 and 2013. The studies analyzed a total of 11 107 dairy products samples composed of raw milk, UHT milk, pasteurized milk, traditional cheese, UF cheese, cream cheese, feta cheese, white cheese, butter, ice cream, infant milk products, Doogh and yoghurt. Current AFM₁ analysis was conducted by various methods including thin layer chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography and enzyme-linked immunoassays; but the ELISA method is mostly used in Iran because of its rapidity, simplicity and cheapness. The mean contamination level of AFM₁ in autumn and winter samples was significantly higher than spring and summer. According to European Commission limit, i.e. 50 ng/kg, the reported range of contamination in analyzed dairy products exceeded the limit was in the range of 0–100%.

• Aflatoxin M₁
• contamination
• dairy products
• Iran
• milk

Notice of Correction:

In the version of this article, published on 9 June 2014, a reference was missing from the manuscript (Mohammadi, 2011). The reference and appropriate citation has been included in this version.