Occurrence of aflatoxin M1 in white cheese samples from Tehran, Iran

This study was undertaken to determine the occurrence of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in 50 white cheese samples from 2 dairy factories in summer 2008 and winter 2009. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was used for analysis of the samples. Aflatoxin M1 was found in 60% of the cheese samples, ranging from 40.9 to 374 ng/kg. Toxin levels in 6% of the samples exceeded the Iranian national standard limit i.e. 200 ng/kg. Considering seasonal variability, mean concentration of AFM1 in the samples collected in winter was significantly (P < 0.03) higher than those collected in summer. Therefore, high occurrence of AFM1 in cheese samples could be a potential hazard for public health