A study on contamination of aflatoxin M1 in raw milk in the Punjab province of Pakistan

Raw milk samples from fourteen districts of the Punjab province, Pakistan, were analyzed for the contamination of aflatoxin M1. The analysis was carried out by using immunoaffinity columns and Fluorometer. All of the samples analyzed were found contaminated with aflatoxin M1 (AFM1). However, the level of aflatoxin M1 in 96.4% samples was below the US tolerance limit of 0.5 μg/L. Only 3% samples showed AFM1 concentration higher than the US maximum limit. The 99.4% samples exceeded the European Union limit, i.e. 0.05 μg/L. Seasonal effect was also studied on the presence of AFM1 concentration in milk. The data were analyzed statistically by applying ANOVA. The results urge the need to impose a maximum permissible limit for AFM1 levels in milk and milk products in Pakistan. This study, which is the first one of its nature on aflatoxin M1 in Pakistan, suggests a regular monitoring of AFM1 in milk and milk products in the country.