Aflatoxin M₁ in fresh milk collected from local markets of Karachi, Pakistan

ABSTRACT

During 2016–2017, 156 samples of fresh milk samples were collected from local markets of Karachi, Pakistan and analysed for aflatoxin M₁ (AFM₁) contamination using ELISA technique. AFM₁ was detected in 143 (91.7%) samples, ranged from 20 to 3090 ng L⁻¹ with a mean level of 346.2 ng L⁻¹. In 125 (80.1%) samples, the AFM₁ contamination was greater than the maximum limit (ML = 50 ng L⁻¹) set by EU. However, in 51 (32.7%) samples, the AFM₁ level was higher than the ML of 500 ng L⁻¹ as assigned by the USA. Statistical analysis showed that the AFM₁ level in milk samples from summer was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that obtained in winter. It was concluded that the AFM₁ levels in the tested samples appear to be a serious public health problem. Therefore, immediate measures should be taken and re-evaluation done for the procedures for farming, transportation, refrigeration, and storage for the control of AFM₁ level in milk samples.

KEYWORDS:

• Aflatoxin M₁
• fresh milk
• ELISA
• Karachi
• Pakistan

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.