Aflatoxin M1 in Ultra High Temperature Milk Consumed in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Background: Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is a mycotoxin found in milk that has a carcinogenic effect and poses significant public health risks. Since the human population s consumption of milk and milk products are quite high, thereby increasing the risk of exposure to AFM1 is of great threat. To assess public health hazards associated with the occurrence of AFM1 in Ultra High Temperature (UHT) milk, a survey was carried out in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods: A total of 42 UHT milk samples from different commercial brands were collected from January to April 2020. The occurrence and concentration range of AFM1 in the samples were investigated by applying the competitive Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. Results: AFM1 was detected in four positive samples (9.5%) with a concentration range of 2.8-7.4 ng/L and a mean concentration of 5.2±1.9 ng/L. However, none of the positive samples had AFM1 levels exceeding the maximum permissible limit (50 ng/L) as set by the European Commission. Conclusion: AFM1 incidence in the samples selected from UHT consumed milk in Sharjah-UAE is very low and seems to be no serious public health problem at the moment. Frequent analytical surveillance by food control agencies is highly recommended to keep controlling of the incidence of mycotoxin contamination in dairy products consumed in the UAE.