Naturally occurring aflatoxin M1 in raw bulk milk in Argentina

V.A. ALONSO; M.P. MONGE; A. LARRIESTRA; A.M. DALCERO; L.R. CAVAGLIERI; S.M. CHIACCHIERA

FOOD ADDITIVES AND CONTAMINANTS

TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD

Año: 2010 vol. 27 p. 373 - 379

0265-203X

The aim of this work was to carry out a screening survey of aflatoxin M1 from raw whole milk from bulk tanks in farms located in one the most important milk production zone in Argentina. A total of 94 samples of milk from 47 dairy farms were analyzed. The AFM1 analysis involved the use of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) combined with tandem MS detection, prior purification of the extracts using immunoaffinity columns. AFM1 incidence in raw milk was high as 62% and levels were between not detected to 0.07 µg/L. Several contamined samples (39%) were over the limit for infant milk. All tested farms used pastures and silages at similar composition. A little number of farms used peanut pod and/or cotton seed as feed. Farms that received peanut pods and/or cotton seed showed higher average AFM1 levels. Information from Argentina is limited. The use of LC/MS/MS allowed achieving confirmation of AFM1 presence. Cotton seeds and peanut pods represent highly risky raw materials to be applied in finished cattle feed. A systematic AFM1 monitoring program must be performed by means of accurate and reliable analytical techniques as strategy for protecting milk consumers.