Investigation of the Presence and Level of Aflatoxin M1 in Labneh Cheeses from Different Producers Offered for Sale in Afyonkarahisar by ELISA

Aflatoxins are mycotoxins produced by certain species of fungi that can contaminate food products. AFM1 is the metabolite of aflatoxin B1 found in milk and dairy products resulting from the consumption of contaminated feed containing AFB1 by dairy animals. After AFM1 is excreted into milk, it can be found in dairy products such as cheese and yoghurt. Although less toxic than AFB1, AFM1 still exhibits hepatotoxic and carcinogenic properties and can pose serious health risks if consumed. AFM1 is highly resistant to temperature and other processes, making it difficult to remove from food products. For these reasons, it is important to understand how AFM1 contaminates dairy products, its presence and level, and the potential health risks associated with consuming it. In this study conducted for this purpose, the presence and level of AFM1 in labneh cheeses of different brands were investigated. In this context, 40 labneh cheese samples sold in markets were collected, and the presence of AFM1 was investigated using the ELISA method. AFM1 level was detected between 0.026-0.033 µg/Kg in 10% (4) of the labneh cheese samples analyzed. All of the samples were found below the Turkish Food Codex Contaminants Regulations limit (0.050 µg/Kg). In conclusion, it is recommended to raise awareness about the potential health risks associated with the consumption of milk and dairy products contaminated with AFM1, which is an important group among Aflatoxins that harbour many health risks that may affect the general public, and to implement measures to prevent contamination in the food supply chain.