Aflatoxin M1

Aflatoxin M1

Aflatoxin M1 is a naturally occurring mycotoxin produced by the fungus Aspergillus flavus. It is a secondary metabolite that is produced by the fungus during the growth of crops such as maize, peanuts, and other nuts. Aflatoxin M1 is a toxic substance that is known to be carcinogenic and can cause liver damage if ingested in large quantities.

Aflatoxin M1 is formed when cows, goats, and other animals consume feed that has been contaminated with aflatoxin B1, which is another mycotoxin produced by Aspergillus flavus. Aflatoxin B1 is metabolized in the animals liver to form Aflatoxin M1, which is then excreted in the animals milk. As a result, milk and dairy products, such as cheese and yogurt, can be sources of aflatoxin M1 contamination.

The maximum allowable level of aflatoxin M1 in milk and milk products varies by country, and regulatory bodies such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Union (EU) have established maximum limits to protect consumers from exposure. Farmers can minimize the risk of contamination by practicing good management practices, such as using proper storage methods and controlling the moisture content of the animal feed. 

There is an established EU limit of 0,05 μg/kg (50 ppt) and 0.025 μg/kg (25 ppt) for infant food. Prognosis Biotech Aflatoxin M1 testing kits: