Authors : Mehmet Elmali , Kursat Yapar , Asim Kart and Hilmi Yaman
Abstract: Aflatoxins are secondary metabolites produced by certain strains of Aspergillus species. They have immunsupresive, genotoxic, hepatoxic and carcinogenic (particularl liver cancer) effects which are the common problems worldwide for people of all age groups. This study was aimed to investigate the presence and levels of AFM1 in the milk powder sold in retail stores of Kars, Erzurum, Mersin, Konya and Ankara vicinities in Turkey. AFM1 was determined in 62.5% of all samples analyzed. Amount of the AFM1 in samples was higher in 45% of the samples than the maximum allowed level according to the Turkish Food Codex (TFC) criteria (500 ng kg 1). Consequently, milk powders sold in retail stores in Turkey pose a great risk for public health. Serious programmes controlling the occurence of the aflatoxin will surely help on dealing with the risk factors.
Mehmet Elmali , Kursat Yapar , Asim Kart and Hilmi Yaman , 2008. Aflatoxin M1 Levels in Milk Powder Consumed in Turkey. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 7: 643-645.