DETERMINATION OF LEVEL OF AFLAFLATOXIN IN RAW MILK AND PASTEURIZED MILK SAMPLES

Abstract

Aflatoxins are toxic compounds produced mainly by different genera of fungi and transferred to milk through contamination which causes life health hazards. The objective of the current study was to govern its existence in different raw and branded liquid milk samples sold in different areas of District Lahore in Pakistan. For this purpose, 80 samples ,40 raw and 40 branded milk samples were obtained during the months of July and August and analyzed to determine the level of AFM1 in milk by using ELISA technique. Typically, the investigative measures go through the subsequent stages: sampling, extraction, determination and quantification. 50% of the samples were positive for Aflatoxin M1, with a range of 49.73-429.61 ppt. Contamination beyond EU permissible limits for raw milk samples was 67.5% with 52.75-429.60 ppt range and 203.42 ppt mean. Samples collected from Shalimar Tehsil were observed more contaminated than others. On the other hand, branded milk contamination beyond EU limit was 30% with range of 49.73-381.04 ppt and 138.53 ppt mean. Consequently, Greater level of AFM1 in raw milk is a communal health risk, but a checking and scrutiny program for Aflatoxin M1 control in milk industry should be established to avert well-being harms.