INCIDENCE OF AFLATOXIN M1 IN FRESH MILK MARKETED IN QUETTA, PAKISTAN

Introduction: The occurrence of Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in milk is concern to public health because it is classified as toxic compound in group I by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). AFM1 is a hepatocarcinogen. Additionally, it can cause DNA damage, gene mutation, chromosomal anomalies, immune-suppression and cell transformation. It can be present in milk of animals that have used feed infected with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) which is the main metabolite produced by Aspergillus fungal species such as, particularly A. flavus, A. parasiticius and A. nomius. This toxin is produced by fungus on different substrate (food, edible raw materials, and feed). About 0.3 to 6.2% of Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) toxin in feed is altered to AFM1 in milk. Presences of aflatoxins in food cause public health concern and the consequent economic lose. Keeping in view the above facts the present study was designed to determine the AFM1 in milk marketed in Quetta, Pakistan. Materials and methodology: The study was conducted in Quetta city to quantify the milk toxin. The total 100 milk samples were collected from different lacalities of Quetta city. AFM1 in milk samples was quantified with the help of Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Results: Incidence of high percentage of contaminated milk samples with AFM1 was found. The mean % (ng/l) of milk toxin AFM1 in all samples was greater than the tolerance limit accepted by European Community (50ng/l) and below than United States (US) regulations (500ng/l). The lowest and highest mean % of AFM1 in milk was 236.63ng/l and 292.96ng/l respectively. The higher values might be due to heavily contamination of animal feed with AFB1 and poor hygienic conditions. Key Words: AFM1, quantitative, milk, ELISA, market, Quett