Aflatoxin M₁ and cyclopiazonic acid in fluid milk traded in São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract

Aflatoxin M₁ (AFM₁) and cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) were determined in 48 samples of grade A–C and ultra-high-temperature (UHT)-treated fluid commercial milk from São Paulo, Brazil, from July to December 2004. AFM₁ and CPA determinations were carried out by HPLC. Results showed 37 (77.1%) positive samples for AFM₁ at levels of 0.011–0.251 µg l^–1 milk, which were below the tolerance limit for AFM₁ in milk as adopted by Brazilian regulations. Mean levels of AFM₁ in grades A–C and UHT milk were 0.060 ± 0.080, 0.056 ± 0.063, 0.064 ± 0.041 and 0.075 ± 0.048 µg l^–1, respectively. CPA was detected in two samples (4.2%) of grade A milk at levels of 6.4 and 9.7 µg l^–1. This is the first report of the occurrence of CPA in milk in Brazil. It was concluded that the incidence of AFM₁ in milk traded in São Paulo is low, but the simultaneous occurrence of CPA, even at low levels, warrants concern about AFM₁ in milk and milk products.

Keywords:

• Aflatoxin M₁ (AFM₁)
• cyclopiazonic acid (CPA)
• residues
• occurrence
• milk

Acknowledgements

The authors thank the Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP), Brazil, Grant No. 2001/14508-9, for financial support.