Aflatoxin M 1 contamination in commercial samples of milk and dairy products in Kuwait

Abstract

As part of the programme on monitoring of environmental contaminants in food stuffs in Kuwait, 54 samples of fresh full cream and skimmed milk, powdered milk, yoghurt, and infant formula were analysed for aflatoxin M₁ (AFM ₁) by HPLC following sample clean up using immuno-affinity columns. Of samples, 28% were contaminated with AFM 1 with 6% being above the maximum permissible limit of 0.2 μg l ^-1. Three fresh cow milk samples collected from a private local producer showed the highest level of 0.21 μg l ^-1 AFM₁. There was no contamination with AFM 1 in powdered milk and infant formulas. These results show the necessity of a survey involving a larger number of milk and its products and suggest that presently the contamination of milk and milk products with AFM ₁ does not appear to be a serious health problem in Kuwait. Nevertheless, a continuous surveillance programme may be warranted to monitor regularly the occurrence of aflatoxins in the animal feeds responsible for current limited contamination and to note rapidly any worsening in the situation that may depend on market changes or on unfavourable climatic developments.

Keywords:

• Aflatoxin M1 Milk Yoghurt Infant Formula Immuno-AFFINITY Column Hplc