Occurrence and seasonal variation of aflatoxin M1 in raw cow milk collected from different regions of Algeria

Research (Published online: 09-03-2020)

6. Occurrence and seasonal variation of aflatoxin M₁ in raw cow milk collected from different regions of Algeria

Sarah Mohammedi-Ameur, Mohammedi Dahmane, Carlo Brera, Moustafa Kardjadj and Meriem Hind Ben-Mahdi

Veterinary World, 13(3): 433-439

Sarah Mohammedi-Ameur: Laboratory of Animal Health and Productions, Higher National Veterinary School, Algiers, Algeria; High School of Food Sciences and Food Industries (ESSAIA), Algiers, Algeria.

Mohammedi Dahmane: Laboratory of Animal Health and Productions, Higher National Veterinary School, Algiers, Algeria.

Carlo Brera: Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Food Chemistry Unit, Italian National Institute of Health (ISS), Viale Regina Elena, 299, Rome, Italy.

Moustafa Kardjadj: Laboratory of Animal Health and Productions, Higher National Veterinary School, Algiers, Algeria; High School of Food Sciences and Food Industries (ESSAIA), Algiers, Algeria.

Meriem Hind Ben-Mahdi: Laboratory of Animal Health and Productions, Higher National Veterinary School, Algiers, Algeria.

doi: www.doi.org/10.14202/vetworld.2020.433-439

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Article history: Received: 07-11-2019, Accepted: 21-01-2020; Published online: 09-03-2020

Corresponding author: Sarah Mohammedi-Ameur

E-mail: sarahmohammedi.ameur@gmail.com

Citation: Mohammedi-Ameur S, Dahmane M, Brera C, Kardjadj M, Ben-Mahdi MH (2020) Occurrence and seasonal variation of aflatoxin M1 in raw cow milk collected from different regions of Algeria, Veterinary World, 13(3): 433-439.

Abstract

Background and Aim: Aflatoxins are metabolites of molds that exert potentially toxic effect on animals and humans. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of aflatoxin M₁ (AFM₁) in raw cow milk collected during 1 year (2016-2017) from different regions of Algeria and risk factors associated with the contamination.

Materials and Methods: During the survey period, 84 samples of raw milk were collected in three regions of Algeria (northeast, north center, and northwest) during four seasons. AFM₁ levels were analyzed by competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: AFM₁ was detected in 39 (46.43%) samples (total mean concentration, 71.92 ng/L; range, 95.59-557.22 ng/L). However, the AFM₁ levels exceeded the maximum tolerance limit set by the Food and Drug Administration in the USA (500 ng/L) in only 1 sample (1.19%). Statistical analysis revealed significant differences (p<0.005) between AFM₁ levels in milk samples collected in the spring and autumn. The mean AFM₁ levels in samples collected in the spring were significantly higher than those in samples collected in autumn.

Conclusion: The survey indicates that farmers involved in milk production should be made aware of the adverse effects of aflatoxin contamination in animal feed. A systematic control program of supplementary feedstuff for lactating cows should be introduced by the public health authorities.

Keywords: aflatoxin M₁, Algeria, cow milk, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.