Medycyna Wet. 64 (1), 53-55, 2008
Yapar K., Elmali M., Kart A., Yaman H.
Aflatoxin M1 levels in different type of cheese products produced in north-east Turkey
The aim of the study was to investigate aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) levels in different types of cheese samples (old kashar cheese, fresh kashar cheese, civil cheese, white cheese, and Gravier cheese) produced in north eastern Turkey and determine the potential risk posed to human health by the consumption of these products. AFM1 was detected in 75 cheese samples (71.42%) out of 105 samples analyzed, whereas the levels of AFM1 in 40 cheese samples (38.08%) were found to exceed the limits (250 ng/kg) allowed by TFC. Of the analyzed cheese samples, AFM1 levels in 7 (28%) white cheeses, 5 (20%) old kashars, 6 (24%) fresh kashars, 20 (80%) civil cheeses and 2 (40%) gravier cheeses were above the limits set by TFC. In conclusion, the elevated levels of AFM1 in some cheese samples found above the TFC limits could adversely affect human health. Therefore, it is important to prevent toxin production from the production stage to consumption of the cheeses as well as devising an effective detoxification process.
Keywords: aflatoxin, AFM1, cheese, ELISA