Application of a LC–MS/MS method for multi-mycotoxin analysis in infant formula and milk-based products for young children commercialized in Southern Brazil

Abstract

An analytical method based on liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was validated and applied for the analysis of aflatoxin M (AFM), ochratoxin A (OTA) and deoxynivalenol (DON) in infant formula and milk-based products for young children commercialized in Brazil. A total of 38 samples were evaluated, including 12 infant formula, 14 follow-on formula and 12 samples of milk-based products. AFM was detected in 12 (32%) samples, and seven (18%) samples contained AFM levels above the method limit of quantification in a concentration range between 0.013 and 0.067 ng mL (0.026 ± 0.019). Two samples of milk-based products exceeded the maximum level (ML) fixed by the European Union for AFM in baby foods, however, all samples were in agreement with the levels established by the Brazilian regulation. OTA and DON were not detected in any of the analyzed samples.

Aflatoxin B1 Occurrence in Children under the Age of Five’s Food Products and Aflatoxin M1 Exposure Assessment and Risk Characterization of Arab Infants through Consumption of Infant Powdered Formula: A Lebanese Experience

“…On the other hand, the number of samples that exceeded the MTL in our study surpassed the findings reported in Brazil (5.2%, mean = 26 ng/L) [ 35 ], Iran (0%, mean = 7.31 ng/L) [ 36 ] and (0%, mean = 21.7 ng/L) [ 37 ], Italy (4.3%, mean = 32.2 ng/L) [ 17 ]; 0%, mean = 0 ng/L), Portugual (0%, mean = 12.1%) [ 38 ], Serbia (0%, mean = 0.9 ng/L) [ 39 ], Spain (0%, mean = 3.1 ng/L) [ 40 ], Turkey (0%, mean = 18 ng/L [ 24 ]; 0%, mean = 8.9 ng/L [ 41 ]; 0%, mean = 0 ng/L [ 42 ].…”

<i>Aflatoxin</i> M1 (<i>Aspergillus parasiticus, flavus</i>) Occurrences in Milk and Milk Products and Its Possible Health Effects

“…2018 who indicated that 2 samples out of 38 exceeded the EU acceptable limits [44]. Additionally, a cross-sectional study surveyed the effects of the storage of infant formula on AFM1 concentration in Tripoli-Libya.…”

The Investigation of Mycotoxins and Enterobacteriaceae of Cereal-Based Baby Foods Marketed in Turkey

“…Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by different molds, such as Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Fusarium genera that can grow on food under certain humidity and temperature conditions [ 10 , 11 ]. Many of the mycotoxins are relatively stable throughout food processing and can survive intact in final products [ 12 , 13 ].…”

“…The health effects of these mycotoxins and other trichothecenes generally occur through the inhibition of protein, DNA, and RNA synthesis [ 21 ]. The main toxic effects of DON can be stated as irregularities in the immune and reproductive systems and growth disorders caused by anorexia [ 10 ]. When children consume heavily DON-contaminated food, vomiting could be seen within hours [ 13 ].…”