Total and M1 aflatoxins contamination in meat and milk buffalo were slaughtered in the northwest of Iran

Mycotoxins are highly toxic secondary metabolites and carcinogenic compounds that are produced by species of Aspergillus, especially Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. In this study, total aflatoxin and aflatoxin M1 were identified and determined in milk and meat samples of 30 buffaloes slaughtered in the industrial slaughter-house of northwest of Iran. Samples were transferred to the “Food Hygiene and Quality Control Laboratory” Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz under standard conditions. Preparation of samples was done according to the instructions contained in each of the ELISA kits. The results showed that all samples are contaminated by total aflatoxin and aflatoxin M1. The Mean value for total aflatoxin in milk and meat was the 0.72±1.63 ng/ML and 0.34±0.48 ng/g, respectively the highest mean level of total aflatoxin was observed in the milk samples. Total aflatoxin level of all samples was lower than the standard limit for total aflatoxins in food (2-4 ng/g). The highest mean values of aflatoxin M1 (26.65±1.46ng/L) is related to the milk samples. However, 12 milk samples (40%) contained aflatoxin M1 above the standard limit (50ng/L). Milk, dairy products and meat are an important source of protein and minerals which are widely used by all age groups. Thus aflatoxin contamination of these products is a serious threat for consumers, especially children and prevention of feed contamination by mycotoxin especially aflatoxin is suggested.