in Raw Milk Samples in Gilan, Iran

Aflatoxins are cancerogenic compounds produced predominantly by certain strains of the Aspergillus genus. Contamination of milk and dairy products to aflatoxin M1 is a risk for human health. Afloatoxin M1 is relatively stable during milk pasteurization and storage as well as during the preparation of various dairy products. In this study, 90 raw milk samples was obtained randomly during the Autumn and Winter of 2011, in Gilan province (Northern Iran). Samples were tested for Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) contamination by ELISA (Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay) technique. In 56 of the 90 raw milk samples examined (65.55%), the presence of AFM1 was detected in concentrations between 2.1–131 ng/l. AFM1 levels in 28 samples (31.11%) were higher than the maximum tolerance limit (50 ng/l) accepted by the European countries. It was concluded that widespread occurrence of AFM1 in milk samples were considered to be possible hazards for public health especially children.