Aflatoxin M1 contamination in pasteurized milk in Shiraz (south of Iran)

The aim of this study was to evaluate Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) contamination in pasteurized milk samples in Shiraz city (Iran). Six hundred and twenty four pasteurized milk samples from different supermarkets in Shiraz city were collected during 6 months (April to September 2003). AFM1 was found in 100% of the examined milk samples. 17.8% of the samples had AFM1 greater than the maximum tolerance limit (50 ng/l) accepted by European Union. Contamination with AFM1 is a serious problem for public health. To achieve a low level of AFM1 in milk, cows’ feed samples from various cowsheds must be evaluated routinely for aflatoxin and kept away from fungal contamination as much as possible.