AFLATOXIN M1 IN TRADITIONAL HOMEMADE YOGHURTS MARKETED IN SOUTHEASTERN TURKEY

Abstract

This study was performed to determine the presence and levels of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in yoghurt produced by traditional methods in small scale enterprises in Mardin located in Southeastern Turkey and to evaluate the yoghurt in terms of food safety. A total of 90 yoghurt samples, 42 from Mardin and 48 from rfa were collected from small-scale retailers and tested for AFM1 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). AFM1 was detected in 34 (37.8 %) of 90 yoghurt samples at the levels ranging from 10 to 515 ng/kg. Five (11.9 %) samples (ranging from 10 to 515 ng/kg) from Mardin and 29 (60.4 %) samples (ranging from 10 to 101 ng/kg) nl AFM1. There was a statistically significant difference between the samples collected Mardin and rfa concerning the presence frequency of AFM1 (p=0.000). The AFM1 levels of 16 (17.8 %) positive yoghurt samples were higher than the legal limits. The results of this study have revealed that the traditionally produced homemade yoghurt is contaminated with AFM1 and poses health risk for consumers.