Analytical Report - Milk aflatoxins

Aflatoxins are mycotoxins produced by some moulds which grow on poorly stored crops such as grains and nuts. Cattle fed feedingstuffs contaminated with Aflatoxin B1 may produce milk contaminated with a similar mycotoxin, Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1). AFM1 was found for the first time in milk it was called a “milk toxin” and hence designated with the letter M. The most appropriate time to test milk for AFM1 is in the winter when the consumption of feedstuff by cattle is at its highest.

There are concerns that mycotoxins can cause cancer in humans so exposure to them should be limited. Scientific evaluations have established a maximum level for AFM1 in milk at 0.05 ug/L. This is set out in The Contaminants in Food (England) Regulations 2006.  

Twenty seven samples of liquid milk (skimmed, semi-skimmed and full fat) were submitted for testing to check whether the level of this myctoxin was within the limits set by the regulations.

Summary of results

15 samples did not contain any Alfaltoxin M1.

12 samples contained a trace of Aflatoxin M1, below the limit set by the regulations.

Four samples also had minor errors in their labelling in relation to the layout of nutrition information.

29 October, 2007