Antibiotic residues and aflatoxin M1 contamination in milk powder used in Tehran dairy factories, Iran

Authors

1 Department of Food Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Food Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran- Iran

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The presence of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) and
antibiotic residues in milk and milk products is a public health
concern. Milk and milk powder have the potential for
introducing AFM1 and antibiotic into human diet. In recent
years, milk powder has been used on a large scale in dairy
factories. Consequently, antibiotic residues and aflatoxin
contamination control in these products has gained importance.
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this survey was to determine the level
of β-lactam and tetracycline antibiotic residues and also AFM1
contamination of milk powder used in Tehran dairy factories.
METHODS: During 12 months (September 2011 to September
2012), 240 samples of milk powder were collected from ten
Tehran dairy factories. All samples were analyzed for the
presence of AFM1 using ELISA technique. In addition,
antibiotic residues were determined by BetaStar Combo test, a
rapid assay for both β-lactam and tetracycline antibiotics.
RESULTS: The samples depicted positive results i.e. 30% and
17.5% for β-lactam and tetracycline antibiotics, respectively.
Also, AFM1 was found in 155 cases (64.6%) with an average
concentration of 29.85 ± 18.99 ng/ L. CONCLUSIONS:The results
showed the milk powder used by dairy factories is safe in respect
of AFM1 contamination and antibiotic residues in Tehran.

Keywords