We have state-of-the-art laboratory that is approved by FSSAI and NABL accredited for the testing of Mycotoxins, including the Aflatoxin M1. We have the latest instruments like Liquid Chromatography using Immuno-affinity Column, Thin Layer Chromatography, HPLC and ELISA, operated by qualified scientists who are highly trained for testing M1 in various foodstuffs.
M1 is a type of aflatoxin that arises out of metabolism when cows are fed with feed contaminated with Aflatoxin B1. M1 is a hydroxylated metabolite of B1 and is secreted in the milk of the lactating cows. Aflatoxin B1 and its metabolite is also present in the milk of human nursing mothers consuming foodstuffs contaminated with the toxin. M1 is quite stable towards normal milk processing methods such as pasteurization, and if present in raw milk, it may persist into the final products for human consumption.
M1 is both toxic to the liver (hepatotoxic) and a liver carcinogen (hepatocarcinogen) and can cause liver cancer upon continuous exposure. Concurrent exposure to Hepatitis B virus increases the risk for developing liver cancer. M1 has also been reported to cause immunosuppression in animals.
Most regulatory government agencies worldwide have regulations regarding the amount of Aflatoxins allowed in human and animal foodstuffs. Regulations for Aflatoxin M1 was present in 60 countries at the end of 2003, a more than three-fold increase as compared to 1995. Limits for the presence of Aflatoxin M1 in milk and milk products have also been declared. In the European Union (EU), this limit has been set at 0.05 µg/kg. Codex Alimentarius recommends 0.5 µg/kg as the upper safety limit for M1. In India, like Codex, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has also recommended that milk should not contain more than 0.5 µg/kg of M1. Many countries also have specific limits for milk products as milk powder, cheese and infant foods.
Please contact us today using the quick query form on the right or by calling us now on +91-11-45754575 to get your food samples tested for Aflatoxins.
