Occurrence of Aflatoxin Mx in Pasteurized and Local Yogurt in Mazandaran Province (Northern Iran) Using ELISA

Aflatoxis are fungi toxins which are incriminated for human carcinogenesis, immunosuppresion, tratogenesis and mutagenesis. In this study, 40 pasteurize yogurt samples and 10 local yogurt samples were collected from Mazandaran province (northern Iran) in autumn 2009 and were tested for Aflatoxin Mi (AFMi) contamination by competitive ELISA. It was found that 100% of pasteurizes yogurt samples and local yogurt samples were positive with concentrations of AFMi 2.1-61.7 and 7-53 ng/1, respectively. Of 40 pasteurize yogurt samples 1 sample (2.5%) and of 10 local yogurt samples 1 sample (10%) contained AFMi with above the limit of European community regulations (50 ng/1) whereas 10% pasteurize yogurt samples and 30% local yogurt samples were contamination AFMi over than 25 ng/1 (the standard limit for food children). Unsuitable storage of feedstuff after harvesting leads to mould growth and aflatoxin production. Since AFM[ are not removed by pasteurize and heating, some measures are to be taken to prevent aflatoxigenic mould growth in feedstuff.