Investigating the aflatoxin M1 level in butter samples collected from markets in winter and spring

Abstract

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) found in animal feeds is converted to M1 (AFM1) in animals. It contaminates all dairy products made from the milk of these animals. In this study, AFM1 levels were investigated by competitive ELISA, which is a highly sensitive method in 84 butter samples collected from various markets based on the legal toxin limit of 0.05 μg/kg (50 ng/L) in Turkey. While the presence of AFM1 at different levels was detected in 79 (94%) of the 84 butter samples examined, it was determined that the legal limit was exceeded in 67 (79.7%) of these samples. When the results are evaluated from a seasonal perspective, 37 (88.1%) of 42 butter samples collected in January-February and all (100%) in May were contaminated with AFM1 at various levels. As a result of the study, it was thought that the AFM1 levels determined in butter samples may be a severe public health problem and that the AFB1 levels of animal feeds and store conditions should be controlled regularly. The fact that toxin levels were higher in the spring than in the winter was interpreted as the animals being unable to go to the pasture due to weather conditions and continuing to feed on store feed.