Determination of Aflatoxin M1 and Ochratoxin A in raw, pasteurizedand UHT milk in Turkey

ABSTRACT

Background: Mycotoxins produced by yeast and fungi have toxic effects on human and animal health. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)is the most toxic hepatocarcinogen to mammals. Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), which has been found in milk and dairy products,is the hydroxylated metabolite of AFB1. Aflatoxin M1 is formed by the cytochrome P450 enzyme in the liver. OchratoxinA (OTA) is synthesized by Aspergillus and Penicillium species. Ochratoxin A is known to cause teratogenic, immunotoxic,nephrotoxic and carcinogenic effects. Due to the potential harmful effects on human and animal health, OTA has also beenreceiving increased attention globally; however, there is limited information on the presence of OTA in milk and dairy products. The aim of this study was to determine how mycotoxins impact the hygienic quality of raw and heat-processed milk.Materials, Methods & Results: In this study, a total of 105 milk samples were analyzed (35 raw, 35 pasteurized and 35UHT) to identify AFM1 and OTA in raw, pasteurized and ultra-high temperature processing (UHT) milk. The levels ofAFM1 were detected by using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The milk samples were centrifuged inorder to remove the fat content from the milk. After centrifugation, the upper cream layer was withdrawn with a pipette.The non-fat liquid portion was placed in wells at 100 μL for analysis. The concentration of AFM1 in the milk sampleswas analyzed by AFM1 test kit. The milk samples with AFM1 levels greater than 50 ng/L were confirmed by using HighPerformance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). An Ochratoxin A Serum / Milk ELISA test kit was used for the analysesof OTA. The analyses were made according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and samples were analyzed in duplicate.The absorbance value of milk samples was obtained from the ELISA plate reader at 450 nm...