Evaluation of Aflatoxin M1 Presence in Raw Milk and Some Cheese Types Consumed in Kars

This study was carried out to evaluate aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) contamination in the samples of raw cow milk, moldy chechil, kashar and gruyere cheese which are offered to consumers in Kars city of Turkey. For this purpose, a total of 200 samples, including 50 raw milk, 50 moldy chechil cheese, 50 kashar cheese and 50 gruyere cheese were examined. AFM1 levels in the samples were determined by competitive ELISA method. Of the 50 raw cow milk samples analyzed, 22 (44%) were found to be below the AFM1 detection limit (<5.00 ng / L) while 28 (56%) had AFM1 at different levels. AFM1 levels in the samples of moldy chechil cheese, kashar cheese and gruyere cheese were 42 (84%), 36 (72%), and 16 (32%), respectively, which were below the AFM1 detection limit (<112.50 ng/kg) while 8 (16%), 18 (36%) and 34 (68%) of them had AFM1 in terms of positive results. All samples of raw milk and cheese were found to be in compliance with the limits permitted in the Turkish Food Codex and the European Commission in terms of AFM1. According to these results, it is pleasing for the public health that the level of AFM1 in raw milk and cheese samples is below the legal limits. However, the levels of AFM1 contamination in the samples suggested that it could be a potential risk in terms of public health and precaution is needed to be taken for the prevention of the contamination