Kılıç Altun, S.Gürbüz, S.Ayağ, E.14.07.20192019-07-1614.07.20192019-07-1620170178-7888https://doi.org/10.1007/s12550-016-0268-4This study was performed to determine aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in human breast milk samples collected in Şanlıurfa, located in Southeastern region of Turkey, and to investigate a possible correlation between AFM1 occurrence (frequency and levels) and sampling seasons. Human breast milk samples collected in December 2014 and in June 2015 from a total of 74 nursing women, both outpatient and inpatient volunteers in hospitals located in Şanlıurfa, Turkey, were analyzed using competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the presence of AFM1. AFM1 was detected in 66 (89.2%) out of 74 samples at an average concentration of 19.0 ± 13.0 ng/l (min.-max., 9.6–80 ng/l). There was a statistically significant difference between December and June concerning AFM1 levels (p < 0.05). Further detailed studies will be needed to determine the main sources of aflatoxins in food, to establish protection strategies against maternal and infant exposure to these mycotoxins. © 2016, Society for Mycotoxin Research and Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.en10.1007/s12550-016-0268-4info:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccessAflatoxin M1Breast MilkElisaSeasonArticle332103107Q2Q2WOS:0003996988000022-s2.0-8500748786228032266