Assessment of multiple mycotoxins in raw milk of three different animal species in Nigeria

The mycotoxin profile of 135 raw milk samples from camel (n = 25), cow (n = 23) and goat (n = 87) in Nigeria was assessed by an ultra-sensitive LC-MS/MS method. Four, seven and 17 of the tested 36 mycotoxins were detected in camel, cow and goat milk, respectively. Among these were aflatoxin P1, alternariol monomethyl ether, citrinin, dihydrocitrinone, enniatins, ochratoxin α and sterigmatocystin reported for the first time in animal milk. The regulated aflatoxin M1 contaminated all cow milk (max: 81 ng/L) and 49% of goat milk (max: 3108 ng/L) samples, with 13% and 55%, respectively, exceeding the 50 ng/L EU limit. Aflatoxin M1 was not detected in camel milk samples. Overall, at least one mycotoxin was detected in 97% of all samples; beauvericin (87%) being the most frequent. Raw animal milk presents an additional source of mycotoxin exposures in the Nigerian populace. Consequently, mycotoxin mitigation should also target the dairy food chain. •Mycotoxins in 135 raw milk samples from camel, cow and goat were profiled.•Camel, cow and goat milk contained 4, 7 and 17 mycotoxins, respectively.•First report of AFP1, AME, CIT, DHC, enniatins, OTα and STER in animal milk.•Animal milk is an additional multiple mycotoxin exposure source in Nigeria.