Aflatoxin M^sub 1^ in breast milk of nursing Sudanese mothers

The presence of aflatoxin M^sub 1^ (AFM^sub 1^) in the breast milk of nursing Sudanese mothers was investigated using AOAC official method 980.21 as the extraction method and HPLC with fluorescence detector for separation and detection. Following informed consent, 94 breast milk samples of mothers were collected, and 51 samples were found to be positive for AFM^sub 1^, with an average concentration of 0.401±0.525 ng g^sup -1^ and a maximum level of 2.561 ng g^sup -1^. The volunteers completed a questionnaire concerning their dietary preferences. The data collected suggest that peanut butter, vegetable oils and rice are the main sources responsible for the AFM^sub 1^ burden in breast milk. The toxin levels are alarmingly high, and indicate that Sudanese infants are exposed to high levels of AFM^sub 1^. A wide range of harmful effects, and consequently health problems, can be expected due AFM^sub 1^ toxicity.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]