Investigating the Aflatoxin M1 in Processed and Unprocessed Milk Supplied in the Tehran, Iran: A Health Risk Assessment Study Publisher



Hargalan YM ; Arabameri M ; Aslani R ; Khaniki GJ ; Shariatifar N
Source: Applied Food Research Published:2026

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to investigate aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in various types of milk collected from Tehran, Iran, using high-performance liquid chromatography with a fluorescence detector (HPLC-FLD). All samples tested were positive for AFM1. The mean levels of AFM1 were 82.95 ng/L in raw milk, 36.94 ng/L in sterilized milk, 25.50 ng/L in ultra-high temperature (UHT) processed milk, and 18.45 ng/L in pasteurized milk. AFM1 concentration in 100% of the samples was less than the standard set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (500 ng/L), but 10% samples were above the Iranian regulation (100 ng/L), and 52% samples exceeded the European Union (EU) standard (50 ng/L). Monte Carlo simulations was employed to evaluate the human health risks associated with AFM1 consumption from milk samples. The hazard index values (95th percentiles) for children and adults in milk samples was 3.64E+0, and 7.78E-1, respectively. The margin of exposure values for children and adults in milk was 1.04E+3, and 5.03E+3, respectively. Additionally, quantitative liver cancer risk values (95th percentiles) for children and adults in milk was 1.19E-1, and 2.56E-2 cancers/year/per 105 individuals, respectively. Risk assessment indicated a potential health risk from AFM1 in milk samples. The provided information consistently emphasizes the critical need for strict control measures and continuous surveillance to manage the health risks posed by AFM1 in milk marketed in Tehran. Copyright © 2026. Published by Elsevier B.V.