ABSTRACT
Aflatoxins are toxic mold metabolites produced by toxigenic strains of Aspergillus species. They have an important role in the occurrence of a number of human diseases such as liver cancer, chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to determine the amount of aflatoxin M1 in raw milk samples which had been collected for Sanandaj pasteurized Milk Corporation. A total of 84 raw milk samples from different places in Sanandaj and Tehran were collected randomly during 2 weeks [in February-2007]. After centrifugation of milk samples, upper creamy layer was completely removed and the lower layer was analyzed by using special ELISA kit made by Tecan S.r I corporation for determination of aflatoxin M1. Data were analyzed by means of ANOVA. Aflatoxin M1 was found in 77 of the milk samples examined. In the remaining samples [7 milk samples] aflatoxin was not found. In 67 milk samples the quantity of aflatoxin was within standard limits and in 17 samples aflatoxin level was higher than the maximum accepted limit [based on European Union standard]. There was a significant difference between the rate of milk contamination in different regions [p<0.001]. Presence of aflatoxin in dairy products is a serious problem for the public health, especially in infants and children who consume these products most frequently. Therefore milk and dairy products have to be inspected routinely for aflatoxin M1 contamination. To achieve a low level of aflatoxin Ml in milk, the milch cows' feeding should be under regular inspection for aflatoxin contamination