Methods of analysis for aflatoxin M₁ in milk and milk products

Abstract

  In recent years, international organizations such as the Codex Alimentarius Commission and European Union have set the maximum residue level (MRL) of aflatoxin M₁ (AFM₁) in milk according to evaluation of the risk assessment of AFM₁ in milk and milk products. Under these circumstances, the Food Safety Commission (FSC) in Japan has evaluated the risk assessment of AFM₁ in milk and reported it to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) in 2013. Responding to the report, the MHLW moves into action to set the MRL for AFM₁ in milk. The consultation for evaluation of methods for mycotoxin analysis organized under the MHLW has already validated the analytical method for AFM₁ in milk and milk powder. In this paper, validated methods for AFM₁ in milk and milk products will be mainly presented.