Human health risk assessment of aflatoxin M1 in raw and pasteurized milk from the Kermanshah province, Iran

The principal purpose of this study was to investigate the amount and human health risk assessment by Monte Carlo simulation for aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in milk in Kermanshah province, Iran. For this purpose, a total of 108 composite samples were analyzed for AFM1 levels using high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD). Based on AFM1 in milk, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in animal feed, exposure, and human health risk were evaluated. The results showed that the total mean of AFM1 in raw milk in summer and winter was 49 ± 2 and 14 ± 1 ng/L, respectively, while in pasteurized milk was 6 ± 1 and 10 ± 1 ng/L, respectively, and in general, the mean amount of AFM1 in both raw and pasteurized milk is significantly different between summer and winter. Based on the results, it was found that 16.7% of all samples had AFM1 higher than the European Union (EU) limit (50 ng/L). Accordingly, the AFM1 level of raw milk in summer had health risks for all age groups of men and women. In conclusion, in Kermanshah province, AFM1 concentrations in milk produced by livestock should be reduced, especially during the summer seasons; basic procedures should be implemented to reduce AFB1 concentrations in lactating animals' foods. •This study assessed the health risk of aflatoxin M1 in milk in Kermanshah, Iran.•16.7% of samples had aflatoxin M1 higher than the European Union limit (50 ng/L).•The aflatoxin M1 of milk was significantly different between summer and winter.•In summer, the aflatoxin M1 level of raw milk had health risks for all age groups.