Aflatoxin M1

Aflatoxin M1 is a metabolite of aflatoxin B1, which means it is produced by the body when aflatoxin B1 is ingested. Aflatoxin M1 can be found in milk and dairy products from animals that have consumed contaminated feed, particularly in countries where dairy cattle are fed with contaminated grains. Aflatoxin M1 is a potent carcinogen and is associated with an increased risk of liver cancer in humans and animals. It can also cause other health problems such as acute toxicity, immunosuppression, and growth impairment. Aflatoxin M1 is regulated by many countries and organizations, and efforts are made to prevent its contamination in food and feed. Processing methods such as pasteurization and sterilization can reduce the levels of aflatoxin M1 in milk and dairy products, but prevention of contamination in the first place is considered the most effective approach.