Abstract
Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is one of the most significant chemical contaminants in milk, and may pose health risks to consumers. Due to poor food control in northwestern Syria, it was necessary to conduct an investigational study on the presence of AFM1 in raw milk and infant formula. In this study, 88 samples of milk were collected and divided into two parts: 40 samples of raw cow's milk were collected from cow farms and 48 samples of marketed infant formula were sampled, distributed among 6 different brands. The levels of AFM1 were determined using ELISA technology. The results showed that all raw milk samples were contaminated with AFM1, and 20 (55.55 %) of them exceeded the permissible limit according to the European Commission (EC) standards of 0.05 μg/kg. Most infant formula samples were contaminated with AFM1, and the percentage of samples that exceeded the permissible limit according to European standards was 43 (89 %). A risk assessment was also conducted for the exposure of children to the AFM1 levels obtained in our study, where the risk index was HQ > 1 which indicates the presence of health risks in children consuming infant formula powder. Based on the results obtained, we conclude that the consuming milk in both raw and dried forms can pose health risks to consumers, especially children. Therefore, we recommend implementing AFM1 level testing for imported infant formula in drug control laboratories. Additionally, we suggest monitoring both imported and local feeds to ensure they are free of AFB1.