Detection of M1 aflatoxin in colonial cheeses marketed in southern Brazil
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.34119/bjhrv8n6-418Keywords:
mycotoxins, aflatoxin M1, cheeses, immunoassay, agroindustryAbstract
Aflatoxins are carcinogenic and toxic secondary metabolites produced by filamentous fungi. The dairy industry faces challenges with fungal contamination in cheese, which can lead to the presence of mycotoxins. This study aimed to evaluate the aflatoxin contamination in colonial cheeses produced by family agribusiness and marketed along highways in the Taquari Valley, in central region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Fifteen samples were analyzed using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results demonstrated levels of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in these samples ranging from 0.04 to 0.56 µg/kg. Fourteen samples (93.3%) contained AFM1 levels above the maximum limit tolerated by the European Community (0.05 µg/kg). However, all samples were below the Brazilian regulatory limit (2.5 µg/kg). In view of this, the high frequency of detectable AFM1 raises public health concerns, as the safety of chronic exposure to these levels is not fully established. These findings emphasized the need for stricter quality control throughout the milk and cheese production chain to ensure product safety and protect consumer health in the long term.
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