Regional monitoring plan regarding the presence of aflatoxin M1 in pasteurized and UHT milk in Italy

The aim of the study involved evaluation of the presence of aflatoxin M1 in milk for sale in a specific North West Italian region, Piedmont. The study, conducted from November 2003 to July 2005, was linked to the specific emergency situation which arose due to the climatic conditions during the summer of 2003 which encouraged the development of aflatoxin B1 in items used for animal feed. This in turn led to the transfer of the metabolite, aflatoxin M1, into the milk. In total some 316 milk samples were collected during the commercial phase by the official control bodies and analysed. The analysis involved the use of high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) combined with fluorimetric measurement, and purification of the extracts using immunoaffinity columns. The results indicated only 2 non conforming samples (0.6%), with limits higher than those set out in the regulations (0.05 μg L−1). In addition, the analyses revealed, in 5 samples (1.6%), threshold values of 0.05 μg L−1. From the data obtained it can be seen that the “aflatoxins” problem only marginally affected Piedmont Region though the trend for average monthly values suggests a return to the use of contaminated animal feed as soon as official controls are less intensive