Probiotic bacteria and yeasts adsorb aflatoxin M1 in milk and degrade it to less toxic AFM1-metabolites

The presence of contaminants such as aflatoxins (AFs) in dairy products constitutes a serious risk to the health of consumers, especially children who are most sensitive to the adverse effects of AFs. The presence of Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in milk is a public health problem since dairy products are massively consumed worldwide. The aim of the present work was to select microorganisms capable of reducing AFM1 entry into the food chain through adsorption/degradation strategies. Moreover, the toxicity of AFM1 degradation products was evaluated. All tested strains had the capacity to adsorb 19%–61% AFM1 in milk. These strains also had the ability to degrade AFM1 into metabolites less toxic than the original toxin. Moreover, this is the first study to report harmless and probiotic Pediococcus pentosaceus and Kluveromyces marxianus have the ability to adsorb and degrade AFM1 to less toxic metabolites in milk. [Display omitted] •P. pentosaceus RC006 and K. marxianus VM003 had the ability to adsorb AFM1 in milk.•P. pentosaceus RC006 and K. marxianus VM003 had the ability to degrade AFM1 in milk.•Lactic Acid Bacteria and yeast strains reduced AFM1 to less toxic metabolites in milk.