PREVALENCE AND DETECTION OF AFLATOXIN M1 IN DAIRY COW RAW MILK RAISED UNDER DIFFERENT BREEDING SYSTEMS, NUTRITION AND SEASON IN BEKAA VALLEY- LEBANON

Abstract

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) contamination in dairy products is a problem threatening public health in all areas of the world. The aim of this study was to identify the level of AFM1 in cow raw milk in three dairy farm regions in Bekaa Valley, Lebanon. A total of 352 raw milk samples were collected from October 2021 to August 2022. AFM1 was analyzed by ELISA. Only 25.2%, 55.8%, and 25% were reported free in Baalbeck, Zahleh and in West Bekaa respectively. The yearly mean AFM1 contamination in samples varies between 14.31 ng/kg, 11.5 ng/kg, and 10,5ng/kg in Baalbeck, West Bekaa, and in Zahleh respectively. The highest level was also recorded in small farms compared to large scale farms. A significant difference was seen in winter between seasons (p value 0.032) and in West Bekaa between regions (p value 0.012). Legislation and monitoring procedures must be implemented to reduce the exposure to this toxin.